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Free, friendly 1:1 support for young people in Harrow
Not sure what to do next? You’re not on your own. You’re at a decision point.
Harrow Youth Stop is here to help you move forward, at your pace.
- It’s free.
- There’s no pressure.
- Meet local careers advisers in Harrow who know the area.
You might be feeling:
- Unsure about your future.
- Stuck or overwhelmed.
- Low on confidence.
- Confused about jobs, courses or apprenticeships.
Harrow Youth Stop supports young people like you with friendly, practical careers advice that makes sense for your life, goals and situation.
It starts with a simple 2-minute form.
After you sign up, we’ll contact you to book in a chat and talk through your options, including training and job opportunities in Harrow, and apprenticeships and careers advice.
What is Harrow Youth Stop?
It’s a place that gives free careers advice to young people in Harrow who are:
- Aged 16–19, or
Aged up to 24 with an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan. - We also run occasional short projects for 16–24-year-olds who are out of work (with or without an EHC plan).
We’re funded by Harrow Local Authority and run by Shaw Trust, one of the UK’s largest charities giving support for young people not in education, work or training.
Our aim is simple: To help you find your direction and take your next steps.
Why young people choose Harrow Youth Stop
- No judgement wherever you’re starting from.
- Local knowledge with real opportunities in Harrow.
- Specialist support including SEND and wellbeing.
- Flexible and realistic to fit around your life.
- Ongoing support until you’re ready to move on.
How it works?
1. Send us your details
Fill in the short form.
2. We’ll get in touch
We’ll book a friendly 1:1 session to get to know you.
3. Talk things
through
understand where you’re at, what your goals are, and what you want to achieve.
4. Make a plan
create a realistic next step, with no pressure.
5. Get support
Applications, CVs, confidence, opportunities – whatever it is, we’re with you.
What we can help you with
We specialise in careers support for young people in Harrow, including:
- Careers advice: Explore jobs that match your interests, strengths and skills.
- CVs, applications and interviews: Practical help so you feel prepared and confident.
- Finding opportunities: Local jobs, apprenticeships, courses
and volunteering.
Training and education options: Understand what’s out there and what fits you best. - Confidence and wellbeing: Build motivation, resilience and self-belief.
- SEND support: Specialist advisers if you have an EHC plan or additional needs.
Ready to shape your future?
Send us your details today
Where to find us
Harrow Youth Stop
The Twenty One Building
21 Pinner Road
Harrow
HA1 4ES
We’re here open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
Call: 0208 427 8617
Email: harrowys@shaw-trust.org.uk
Free downloads to help you move forward
Not sure how to write your first CV?
Enjoy things at school but don’t know where they could take you?
Or ready for your next step, and want to boost your CV and interview skills?
Our easy-to-use free downloadable resources cover all this –and more, so you can get help finding a job in Harrow.
Blogs/info links
Frequently asked questions
Who can access the services at Harrow Youth Stop?
Harrow Youth Stop is for young people (aged 16 to 19, or up to 24 with an EHCP) living in the London Borough of Harrow who aren’t in education, employment or training.
I didn’t get the grades I needed GCSE. What do I do now?
- If you’ve just completed Year 11, you can re-sit your GCSEs. Resits are available in November and May. Think about how resitting the exams will benefit your long-term plan before you make this commitment. How will you prepare and revise for the exams?
- Don’t forget that young people are expected to repeat GCSE English and maths (alternatives) up to the age of 19 if they haven’t achieved a grade 4.
- You can also opt for a 1-year GCSE programme at a local college, where you can usually take up to five GCSE subjects.
- Functional courses may be a better fit, rather than GCSEs – several colleges and training providers offer these. If you’re unsure about which option would work best for you, get in touch with our careers advisers in Harrow.
Useful links:
https://passmygcse.co.uk/gcse-resits
https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/my-child-has-no-gcses-what-can-they-do
I don’t feel ready to go back to education, what are my options?
- It’s normal to feel like that, but there are other options you can consider. Speak to one of our careers advisers in Harrow and get the guidance you need to make the right decision.
- Don’t forget – if you’re aged between 16-18, you’re expected to remain in some form of education or training. This doesn’t mean you have to stay in school, but you will need to take part in full-time education, apprenticeships, or training, alongside work or volunteering.
- You might be facing something that’s stopping you from accessing education (like an illness or health condition). Your careers adviser can help you explore options for your next step.
How do I get CV help in Harrow to stand out and get a job?
- CVs are tricky to get right. It’s important to spend time on writing them effectively so you stand out and have a good chance of getting a job.
- There are some simple tips like:Use a clear font (Arial, Times New Roman or Calibri) in size 11 or bigger.
o Always use the same style throughout.
o Use headings and bullet points to make text easier to read.
o Be clear and to the point.
o Get someone else to read it to double-check your spelling and grammar. - We’ve got some handy downloadable resources that can help you write a great CV
Useful links:
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/careers-advice/cv-sections
https://www.cv-library.co.uk/career-advice/cv
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/cvs-and-cover-letters
How can I find out about doing things like a sports course or cooking course?
- You can use CareerPilot to find a course or training program.
- You can also chat to our careers advisers in Harrow, who can help point you in the right direction and show you some options.
Useful links:
https://www.careerpilot.org.uk/courses
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/find-a-course
How do I see a careers adviser if I’m still in school or college?
- Check with your school or college to see if they have a careers adviser.
- Shaw Trust provides careers, advice and guidance in several schools in the Harrow area.
- If there isn’t an adviser coming into your school, you can use online resources.
- Many of the local schools subscribe to Unifrog for careers information for their students.
- Alternatively, you can contact Harrow Youth Stop and speak to one of our team.
Useful links:
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/contact-us
https://www.unifrog.org/sign-in
What are vocational qualifications?
- These are designed to help you learn in a practical way about a specific job area or to train to do a job.
- They can help you get the skills you need to start a job, progress in a career or go on to higher education.
- Examples are BTECs, T Levels and Apprenticeships.
Useful links:
https://www.careerpilot.org.uk/information/vocational-qualifications/what-are-vocational-qualifications
https://www.skillsforcareers.education.gov.uk/pages/training-choice/vtq-vocational-technical-qualification
Where can I find out more about apprenticeships?
- There are lots of training and job opportunities in Harrow, including apprenticeships. These are a great way to gain hands-on experience while studying towards an industry recognised qualification – plus you earn a salary.
- They’re available across a range of sectors, from accounting, business, IT, media and law, to construction, engineering and transport.
Useful links:
https://www.skillsforcareers.education.gov.uk/your-training-options
https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship
https://www.ucas.com/explore/search/apprenticeships
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-work-experience/apprenticeships
Where can I find information about degree courses at university?
- You can use UCAS to help you find out more about degree courses.
- It’s the official UK application system for undergraduate university courses.
- Starting a degree is a big commitment.
- Take time to do some research before you make a final decision.
Useful links:
https://www.ucas.com
There are so many careers, I don’t know what’s right for me. How can I get help with choosing the right one?
- Many people feel unsure about their career as there are so many options, so you’re not alone.
- There are lots of online tools to help – things like a careers quiz, skills assessment or personality test helps you identify what you’re good at, what you like doing, and matches you to careers that suit your skills.
- You can speak to family and friends about the careers they think might suit you.
- You can also speak to one of our careers advisors who can help you with getting job support in Harrow.
Useful links:
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/discover-your-skills-and-careers
https://www.careerpilot.org.uk/login
https://www.16personalities.com/free-personality-test
I have a SEND and an EHCP and want to find a suitable course at college. Where can I find more information?
- Most colleges offer courses suitable for SEND students who have few or no formal qualifications. These are called foundation courses or supported learning.
- Local colleges such as Harrow College, Stanmore College and College of North West London offer various courses at different levels. Students can work on these courses and progress to a vocational course in the future.
- Foundation courses are designed to provide a supportive and caring environment with smaller group sizes, with specialist SEND qualified staff to provide extra support.
- These courses are very useful for students with ASD, ADHD or SEMH needs.
- Colleges will interview and assess students to place them on the right level.
Useful links:
https://www.harrow.ac.uk/courses/foundation-learning-skills-for-life
https://stanmore.ac.uk/courses/send-foundation-learning
https://www.harrow.gov.uk/send-local-offer
https://cnwl.ac.uk/courses/section/supported-learning
I’m interested in getting work experience, but I don’t know how to do it. Where can I get help?
- Getting work experience is possible through internships, part-time jobs, volunteering, virtual programs, or work shadowing.
- Contact specific companies for the types of jobs you’re interested in and ask if they have any opportunities.
- You can also speak to friends and family for any connections they may have, and use virtual platforms like Springpod.
- Our careers advisors in Harrow can also help with looking at what options might be out there for you.
Useful links:
https://www.springpod.com/virtual-work-experience
https://www.vah.org.uk
I want to find out more about an EHCP and apply for one for my child. Where can I get help with this?
- Harrow SENDIASS is a free, impartial and confidential information, advice and support service for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and their families.
- They can link you with a caseworker to help with your request for an EHC needs assessment.
- You can also look at the Harrow local offer to get more information on EHCPs and the local support available.
Useful links:
https://www.sendiass.org/harrow-sendiass
https://www.harrow.gov.uk/send-local-offer
Who are the Harrow Youth Stop team?
- Our team of fantastic careers advisers in Harrow are:
o Ceo Aruh
o Connie Collie
o Debbie Lousy
o Disha Dansingani
o Olivia Fizsson
o Rachel Danso
o Renu Varma
o Serene Jamil - Supporting them are Robert McKenzie (Operations Manager, London), Treasia Faulton (Service Manager, London) and Sham Motin (Team Manager, Harrow).