30 Jul 2026
We are delighted to announce that The Forward Trust has been awarded funding to deliver the new London Talent Pathways programme, commissioned by the Greater London Authority (GLA) and supported by the Mayor of London.
The new programme will commence in August 2026 and will help unemployed Londoners develop the skills, confidence and opportunities they need to progress into sustainable employment and further learning.
Forward will deliver a three-week training programme that aims to get people living in London into careers in the sustainability and hospitality sectors.
In addition to the rigorous training programme, participants will receive one-to-one careers support from a qualified employment coach for up to three months after the completion of the original three-week course.
This latest contract award represents another significant milestone in Forward Trust’s journey as a leading provider of employability and adult skills services.
The award builds on Forward Trust’s extensive experience delivering employment and skills programmes across London and beyond. Today Forward delivers a range of programmes including adult skills provision, IPS, enterprise services, housing support, Connect to Work and the Restart Scheme. We work with local authorities, employers, housing providers, health services and community organisations to create opportunities for people who may otherwise be excluded from the labour market.
Our services are underpinned by an Ofsted ‘Good’ rating, Matrix accreditation and a commitment to delivering high-quality, person-centred support. We recognise that every learner and jobseeker has a unique story, and we design our services around individual strengths, ambitions and aspirations.
Employment can be transformative. It can improve financial security, increase confidence, support recovery, strengthen wellbeing and create a greater sense of purpose and belonging. Through London Talent Pathways, we will continue our mission of helping people achieve those outcomes.
The programme will support Londoners to gain valuable qualifications, develop workplace skills and connect with employers who are actively recruiting. Our teams will work closely with employers and partners across the capital to ensure training reflects real labour market demand and provides genuine routes into employment.
Reflecting on the award, Asi Panditharatna, Executive Director of Employment Services at The Forward Trust, said:
“We are delighted to have secured the London Talent Pathways contract and to continue supporting unemployed Londoners to develop skills, progress into employment and achieve their ambitions. We are really looking forward to working with learners, employers, partners and communities across the capital as London Talent Pathways begins its next chapter.“
If you are an employer and want to recruit learners from our London Talent Pathways programme, please email employment@forwardtrust.org.uk.
