RecruitingInterventional

Evaluating The Skill Mill programme to lower violence and offending in young people

This study is checking how well a programme called 'The Skill Mill' works. It's for young people aged 16-18 who have been in trouble with the law before. The programme offers a 6-month paid job, usually in environmental work, along with training and support to help them find more work or education afterwards. The main goal is to find out if taking part reduces their chances of offending again. Researchers will also look at how it affects their confidence, behaviour, and future job hopes. The study involves keeping track of participants for 12 months, and it's happening in different parts of England and Wales. It's funded by the Youth Endowment Fund to help understand what really works to help young people.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Youth Endowment Fund

Enrolment target

704

Start

02 Mar 2026

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2027

Prevention of re-offending by young people with an offending history with one or multiple convictions of any type of offence

What is this study about?

This study is looking at a special programme called 'The Skill Mill', designed to help young people aged 16-18 who have had problems with the law. Having a history of offending can make life very difficult, leading to more problems with mental health and future opportunities. This programme tries to offer a different path.

The Skill Mill provides a 6-month paid job, often in tasks like improving local parks or doing other practical environmental work. Young people work in small teams, earning money and learning valuable skills. They also get help with things like setting up a bank account and finding more work or training once the 6 months are over. The idea is that by giving them real job experience, support, and new skills, it can help them build a better future and avoid getting into trouble again.

Researchers want to see if this programme truly makes a difference. They will carefully follow young people who take part, comparing them to others who don't. They'll mainly be checking if those in the programme are less likely to re-offend over the next year. They'll also look at other important things, like whether their confidence grows, if their behaviour improves, and if they have better plans for their future jobs or education. The information gathered will help decide if programmes like The Skill Mill are a good way to help young people turn their lives around.

Key takeaways

This study evaluates 'The Skill Mill' programme for young people with an offending history.
It aims to see if 6 months of paid work and support reduces re-offending.
Participants will be aged 16-18 and referred by the Youth Offending Service.
The study involves surveys and tracking progress over 12 months.
It's happening in England and Wales and is funded by the Youth Endowment Fund.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for young people aged 16 to 18 who have finished school (Year 11). To take part, you must have an offending history with at least one conviction for any type of offence and be working with a Youth Offending Service (YOS).

You should also be willing to travel using public transport every day to get to your meeting point, and be happy to work outdoors in all kinds of weather, as well as indoors. Part of the programme involves working towards gaining a construction industry card, so you'd need to be open to that.

There are a few reasons why someone might not be able to join. For example, if you have physical difficulties that would stop you from doing the practical work, or if you have serious mental health issues that would make it hard to keep a steady job or work in a team. Also, if there are concerns about safety for you or others due to past gang involvement or violence, you might not be able to participate. Finally, you shouldn't be involved in another similar research study at the same time.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you aged 16 to 18 years old?
Have you finished school (Year 11)?
Have you had an offending history with at least one conviction?
Are you currently involved with or recently closed a case with the Youth Offending Service?
Are you willing to use public transport every day to get to a work meeting point?
Are you happy to work outdoors in all weathers and work towards a construction card?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you choose to take part, you'll be involved in the study for about 12 months. This will include filling out a questionnaire online when you start, and then again after 6, 9, and 12 months. Some of the information about whether you re-offend will be gathered from official records, not just what you tell us.

If you're in the group that takes part in The Skill Mill programme, you'll have a paid job for six months, working in a team with supervision. After that, you'll get three months of support to help you find more work or training. Whether you're in the programme group or the comparison group, your answers to the questionnaires are really important for the study. You'll get a £20 voucher for completing the first questionnaire, and if you're in the comparison group, you'll get an £80 voucher for completing the follow-up surveys.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could offer some great benefits, especially if you get to join The Skill Mill programme, as you'll gain paid work experience, new skills, and support for your future. Even if you're in the comparison group, your contribution helps us understand what works best for young people. The study aims to be as safe as possible; however, as with any programme, there might be unexpected challenges. You are always free to ask questions and can decide to stop taking part at any time without giving a reason, and this won't affect any support you receive from the Youth Offending Service.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

The Skill Mill
City only
Gateshead, England

Common questions

What is 'The Skill Mill' programme?

It's a programme that gives young people aged 16-18 a 6-month paid job, usually in environmental work, along with training and support for their future.

Who is running this study?

The study is being run by researchers on behalf of the Youth Endowment Fund, a charity that helps young people stay safe from violence.

Will I get paid if I'm on The Skill Mill programme?

Yes, if you're part of The Skill Mill programme, you will receive weekly pay for your work.

What happens if I don't get into The Skill Mill programme?

You'll be part of a comparison group, and your experiences will still help the study. You will also receive vouchers for completing surveys.

Where is the study taking place?

The study is happening in different local areas across England and Wales, working through Youth Offending Services.

How to find out more

Matt Barnard

Matt.Barnard@icf.com +44 020 30964915 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.