Boss Your Future Launches Its First Try a Trade Event with Bolton Brickwork Specialist
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Giving Bolton’s young people the opportunity to gain real experience, build confidence and explore careers in construction
Across the UK, too many young people are facing an increasingly difficult journey into employment.
Vacancies at entry level are becoming more competitive, apprenticeships are oversubscribed and many employers are asking for experience before offering someone their first opportunity.
For thousands of young people, it creates a frustrating cycle.
You need experience to get a job, but you need a job to gain experience.
At Genuine Futures, we hear these stories every week.
Young people tell us they want to work. They want to contribute. They want to build a future. But too often, they simply haven’t been given the opportunity to discover what they’re good at or experience different careers before making life-changing decisions.
This is why Boss Your Future has launched Try a Trade.
We believe every young person deserves the opportunity to experience the world of work before choosing their future.
Our first event, delivered in partnership with Bolton Brickwork Specialist (BBS), gives young people aged 14–24 the opportunity to pick up a trowel, work alongside experienced bricklayers and discover whether construction could be the right career for them.
Learning by Doing
Rather than learning from a textbook or careers leaflet, participants will spend 30 minutes experiencing bricklaying for themselves.
Working alongside skilled bricklayers from Bolton Brickwork Specialist, they’ll use real tools, lay their first course of bricks and gain an insight into one of the UK’s most respected skilled trades.
No previous experience is needed.
Just enthusiasm and a willingness to have a go.
Event Details
Thursday 13 August 2026
The White Horse
177 Stitch Mi Lane
Harwood
Bolton
BL2 4HT
Ages 14–24
Free 30-minute bricklaying taster sessions
More Than Bricklaying
Construction is one of many industries crying out for skilled people, yet many young people have never had the opportunity to experience the trade before deciding what comes next.
That’s why Try a Trade is becoming a permanent part of the Future Works pathway within Boss Your Future.
This is the first of many employer-led experiences that will help young people explore careers, build confidence and make informed choices about employment, apprenticeships, further education and enterprise.
Future Try a Trade opportunities will include sectors such as vehicle valeting, commercial cleaning, mechanics, hospitality, landscaping, digital media and more.
A Partnership Creating Opportunities
This event has only been possible because of the collaboration between organisations that share a belief in investing in Bolton’s young people.
Bolton Brickwork Specialist is providing the industry expertise, equipment and skilled instructors.
Boss Your Future and Genuine Futures are bringing together young people, employers and community partners to create meaningful pathways into employment.
The White Horse has opened its doors to create a welcoming community venue where young people can try something new, build confidence and connect with local employers.
Together, this partnership demonstrates what can happen when businesses and communities work side by side.
Sam Smith, Founder and Co-Director of Genuine Futures CIC, said:
“Too many young people are caught in a cycle where they’re told they need experience to get a job, but nobody gives them the opportunity to gain that experience. We have to stop expecting young people to navigate that journey alone.”
“Try a Trade is about opening doors. It allows young people to experience different industries, discover their strengths and make informed choices about their future. Prevention starts by creating opportunities before young people become disengaged. We want employers to be part of the solution by inspiring the next generation and showing them what’s possible.”
Mike Alleyne, Co-Director of Genuine Futures CIC, said:
“At Genuine Futures, relationships come first. Once young people feel listened to, valued and supported, they’re far more willing to step outside their comfort zone and try something new. Try a Trade creates those opportunities in a positive, encouraging environment where young people can learn by doing and begin to believe in their own potential.”
Daisy O’Sullivan, Head of Operations at Bolton Brickwork Specialist, said:
“Bricklaying is a skilled profession that offers fantastic career opportunities, whether that’s through an apprenticeship, employment or eventually running your own business. We want young people to experience the trade for themselves, ask questions and gain an honest understanding of what the job involves. Sometimes all it takes is one opportunity to spark a lifelong career.”
“We’re delighted to be partnering with Genuine Futures and Boss Your Future. Together we’re helping young people discover new opportunities while supporting the future of our industry.”
Thank You to The White Horse
We would also like to thank Kelly McGreevy and the team at The White Horse, Harwood, for believing in this vision from the very beginning.
The White Horse has become much more than a pub.
It is growing into a genuine community hub where businesses, volunteers and local organisations are coming together to create opportunities for Bolton’s young people.
By opening their doors and supporting initiatives like We Shine Any Car, community wellbeing activities and now Try a Trade, they are helping to demonstrate what community partnership looks like in practice.
We are incredibly grateful for their continued support and belief in what can be achieved when organisations work together.
Register Today
If you’re aged 14–24 and have ever wondered what it’s like to work in construction, this is your chance to find out.
Whether you’re considering an apprenticeship, looking for a practical career or simply want to try something different, we’d love to welcome you.
Places are limited, so early booking is recommended.
If you’re a parent, teacher, careers adviser, youth worker or support professional, we also encourage you to refer a young person who could benefit from this opportunity.
Together, we can help more young people build confidence, gain experience and discover careers they may never have considered.
Try a Trade. Try Bricklaying. Build Your Future.
Register your place today and take the first step towards your future.
Call to Action
Are you 14–24 and ready to try something new?
Join us on Thursday 13 August 2026 at The White Horse, Harwood, for a free, hands-on bricklaying experience with Bolton Brickwork Specialist.
No experience needed
All equipment provided
Meet experienced bricklayers
Explore apprenticeships and careers in construction
Build confidence and practical skills
Book your free place today and discover where your future could begin.