City & Guilds and NCG: Building Confidence, Skills and Career Opportunities for Young People
With youth unemployment rising, helping young people build the skills and confidence they need to find work has never been more important.
18 December 2025
National initiatives such as the Youth Guarantee and expanded apprenticeships reflect a renewed focus on improving training, work experience and long-term job opportunities for the next generation.
Against this backdrop, City & Guilds has continued its sponsorship of the NCG Guarantee – a unique initiative that goes beyond traditional education to equip students with the skills, confidence and experiences they need to thrive in work and life.
Andy Moss, Chief Customer Officer of City & Guilds, commented:
“At City & Guilds, we believe in creating opportunities for everyone, and the NCG Guarantee reflects our shared vision of providing high-quality education and training that empowers learners to succeed in their careers and beyond.”
What is the NCG Guarantee?
The NCG Guarantee is a student-centred enrichment programme built around five core areas that matter most to future success:
- Employability
- Community
- Enterprise
- Mental Fitness
- Digital Skills
Students earn digital badges by taking part in meaningful activities that develop both practical and personal skills. These range from volunteering and fundraising in local communities to completing digital learning modules in areas such as coding and online safety. The badges recognise achievement, strengthen CVs and help learners stand out in an increasingly competitive job market.
Building confidence through real experiences
A key part of the NCG Guarantee is the return of the highly successful Loud Speaker public speaking workshops, delivered across NCG colleges and supported by City & Guilds. These sessions encourage students to step outside their comfort zones, build confidence and communicate with clarity and impact.
Last year alone, more than 11,000 students took part. This academic year, Loud Speaker events hosted at NCG college venues were captured in the videos below. During one session, Ryan, who is currently completing the programme, explained why the NCG Guarantee is so important:
“I think the information about getting a job should be for everyone, because everyone needs that information – even if you’re confident.”
Maiya, another learner, reflected on the impact the programme has had on her preparation for employment:
“The NCG Guarantee has helped us a lot, and I’ve seen a massive change.”
Charlotte, also taking part in the programme, summed up the experience simply:
“I feel so much better being here – my confidence has skyrocketed.”
A shared commitment to future success
City & Guilds’ sponsorship of the NCG Guarantee highlights the importance of developing not just qualifications, but confidence, resilience and real-world skills. Together, NCG and City & Guilds are empowering thousands of learners to unlock their potential, make informed career choices and take confident next steps.
Discover how the NCG Guarantee is making a real difference to young people’s lives and hear directly from learners in the videos below.