'I want to work with the underdog, the ones struggling to get opportunities'

Whenever Michael Duna thought of the future as a teenager he could not see a clear path ahead.

A foster child since the age of two, Michael felt "lost" and struggled in mainstream education, often getting into trouble at school or with the law.

When he got expelled at the age of 14 he was referred to Leeds-based Building Futures Together, which supports young people at risk of dropping out of education, employment or training - otherwise known as Neet.

It was founded by former West Yorkshire Police officer John Thornton who was inspired to help after working with repeat offenders at HMP Leeds.

"At first I didn't care but then John spoke to me and said 'you don't have to be here, but let's just give it a go today'," Michael, now 18, recalled.

"From that day, I have loved it."

Michael decided to pursue a career in plumbing as well as working towards his Functional Skills qualifications in maths and English - an alternative to GSCEs.

He has now been employed by the training centre to engage others who are in a similar position.

"I was just doing the work, having a laugh and I just loved it and wanted to come back here," said Michael, who now has a baby son.

"They have opened a door for me and I can now go forward and have a good life with my family. I just want to give back."

In Yorkshire and Humber 15.6% of young people aged 16 to 24 were Neet in 2025, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics.

Nationally, reasons for an increase in Neets include a drop in the number of entry-level jobs, hospitality vacancies and graduate jobs.

Building Futures Together provides alternative vocational education and career guidance in construction, plumbing, and electrical trades for 11 to 19-year-olds.

Thornton launched Building Futures Together in Pudsey in 2020.

"I was fortunate enough to retire and one of my passions was to do something that wasn't really about money but more about how it would make me feel and that directed me to working with young people," he said.

"I want to work with the underdog, the ones who are struggling to get opportunities."

Thornton said he was proud of Michael and his achievements, adding: "He is young and if he can make something out of his life that is something great to see."

The social enterprise has so far helped 200 people and more than 1,000 placements have been offered.

A second base has also just opened in Wortley, Leeds.

Conrad, who is 16, said after just two weeks of attending he was already "in love" with plumbing.

"I wake up in a good mood every morning because I know I am coming here. I am not getting in trouble," he said.

"If I come here I can't get drawn into stuff and I can keep myself to myself and think of the future."

Meanwhile, 17-year-old George, who struggled at school, is learning how to be an electrician and hopes to get an apprenticeship.

"I didn't really get any good grades and I was lost, really," he said.

He has now been at Building Futures Together for about a year and said it was "the perfect place" for those wanting to learn a trade.

"You come here and it's so calming, teachers are there when you need them, they don't bother you," he said.

"I am actually paying attention now, which I never would have thought two years ago."

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