Fresh start for Bolton young people as NESTA opens

The Navigators Education Skills and Training Academy (NESTA) has been set up to help Bolton’s young people who may have struggled otherwise on their journey into adulthood and work.

Supporting learners aged 14 to 25, Navigators has opened the new space on North Bolton Business Park.

On Monday, March 23, community leaders and businesspeople were invited to visit the centre and see what’s on offer.

The Bolton News toured the facilities, including the Independent Life Skills room, designed like a studio apartment where learners can practise “soft skills” such as making the bed, ironing clothes and cooking simple meals.

Independent Life Skills room (Image: NQ)

There is also a gym area, construction space and hair and beauty room.

Despite the large rooms, class sizes remain small to allow personalised training.

NESTA centre manager Tahira Hussain told The Bolton News: “We have an afternoon session and a morning session, with around 19 learners in the morning, and 10am to noon.”

Offering Level One and Level Two courses, learners can change pathways depending on their needs.

Learner at NESTA, Micky (Image: NQ)

In the hair and beauty room, we met student Micky, 18, from Great Lever, who explained why he switched courses.

He told The Bolton News: “Construction wasn’t for me; there was too much going on.

“Here, it’s nice and relaxed and chilled.

“I practise on my sister’s hair at home and think I’d like to become a professional hairdresser someday.”

Explaining how learners discover NESTA, Ms Hussain said: “Our referrals tend to come directly from the local authorities.

“The authority will be informed about people in NEET (not in education, employment or training) or with certain requirements, and then a referral is made for that learner.”

She added that discussions are held with each learner to find the best path.

Construction room (Image: NQ)

Founded in 2014 by CEO Anthony Thompson, Navigators supports young people whose needs are not met in traditional education.

The new hub offers courses in construction, fitness, vehicle maintenance, and hair and barbering.

The organisation has seen strong results in engaging hard-to-reach learners.

During the first half of the spring term, attendance rose to 77 per cent from 13.9 per cent, with many previously at zero per cent.

After the tour, guest speakers included the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, and Anthony Thompson.

Mr Burnham praised the hub and the work being done to support Bolton’s future.

As of the end of 2025, nearly one million young people aged 16 to 24 in the UK are NEET.

When asked by The Bolton News what more can be done in Bolton, Mr Burnham said: “Navigators is still growing, but there is more that I need to do.

“One thing I am doing is working on getting a 45-day work placement in Bolton for every young person who wants one.

“What we’ve found is when they are of that length and high quality, they work for the young person and the employer as well.”

Mr Burnham highlighted the importance of an equal playing field between vocational and academic pathways (Image: NQ)

He added: “It’s a plan that we’re working on towards the end of this decade; unfortunately, it can’t be done overnight.

“I want to get very soon to a position where there is a guaranteed offer for every young person in Greater Manchester of a placement once they turn 16.”

Mr Burnham also celebrated Bolton-based employer Seddon for supporting the work placement programme.

Founder Anthony Thompson interviewed by Matt White (Image: NQ)

Mr Thompson said: “We are thrilled that we have opened our first NESTA centre in Bolton.

“Our ambition is for this learning centre to be central to the local community – it will bring together young people and employers and will be our first centre completely dedicated to employment-focused training and pathways.

“We have already established some fantastic partnerships with local businesses and are excited to see how NESTA thrives in Bolton.

“We are delighted to welcome our first students, to help them gain the skills and confidence they need to thrive in adulthood, from entering the workforce to living independently.”

Cllr Safwaan Patel, Cllr Martin Donaghy, CEO Anthony Thompson and Cllr Rabiya Jiva (Image: NQ)

Asked about expansion, he said: “This is just the start of a vocational centre for the core things that young people have discussed with us.

“We want to look at more things, like sports and hospitality, based on what is going on around the town.”

He added: “We need to help the children in Bolton who haven’t had access to an apprenticeship or the job market, getting them on the right pathway.

“That’s our shared vision.”

Navigators team with Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham (Image: Phil Tragen 07739840188)

The centre can support around 80 students in total.

The day ended with remarks from Cllr Martin Donaghy, followed by Bolton’s Carrs Pasties being enjoyed by visitors.

NESTA is located at Unit 12, North Bolton Business Park on Rossini Street.

To find out more, visit: https://navigators.org.uk/