Skills, Not Sermons: Practical Training for Young Bristolians

I’ve seen too many young people leaving school without the first clue about what comes next, and frankly, the idea of forcing them into some sort of mandatory national service feels a bit heavy-handed. It sounds like the sort of thing someone who hasn't been in a classroom for thirty years would come up with. We should be focusing on practical skills and opportunities right here in Bristol, not sending them off to polish boots or learn how to march.

Instead of a blanket national service, let's invest properly in apprenticeships and vocational training programmes tailored to the needs of our city. Imagine young people learning trades like plumbing, electrical work, or construction by working on actual local projects – fixing our crumbling pavements, helping build affordable housing, or even supporting our struggling care homes. That’s real service, and it benefits everyone.