Billy’s
Story
“Having money in my pocket – it’s helped me to help myself really.”
Billy didn’t have a clear plan when he left school.
Things hadn’t gone well for him there, and college didn’t feel like the right fit. He was a bit stuck. At the time he had no real direction and was just trying to figure things out as he went.
Finding his feet
Billy first got involved with us through the King’s Trust Team Programme, at a point where he needed something to help him get moving again.
It helped him build some confidence, get into a routine, and start thinking seriously about what he wanted next.
From there, we started working with Billy one-to-one through our Youth Employment Service (YES).
He’s pretty honest about it – he probably would’ve found a job eventually, but having that support around him helped him focus, think of the bigger picture and actually move forward with purpose.
Putting in the work
Billy set his sights on warehousing and began exploring what was out there with his YES coach.
Eventually, he landed an 18-month warehousing apprenticeship with GMA Warehousing. Things really started to click at this point.
Fast forward to now, and Billy’s a different person to the one we first met.
- He’s passed his forklift licence.
- He’s trained to handle heavy shipments.
- He’s built trust with his team and is impressing in his role
He’s now not just “in a job”… he’s learning the trade and building the life he wanted for himself.
Why it matters
Billy hasn’t just secured an apprenticeship – outside of work, things are moving too.
He’s started driving lessons and has his sights set on getting his own car.
Getting into work, sticking at it, and building real skills has given him something solid to stand on. He’s more confident in himself, more settled, and clearer about where he’s heading.
For young people like Billy, it’s not just about having a job. it’s about having a future that feels real and within reach.
