In 2012 Millwall Community Trust engaged with a young man whilst he was attending the Southwark College Post 16 BTEC programme. The football element of the course was delivered twice a week, along with a competitive fortnightly 11-a-side fixture, by MCT’s Tom Rolt at the Lions Centre. He engaged with bespoke one to one mentoring sessions lead by Tom and was supported holistically to help maintain his focus while confronting a number of off the field issues, including an on-going criminal investigation. In August 2019, the young man re-engaged with MCT, albeit this time through police custody and in the referral pathway of the DIVERT programme. He and Tom held a positive discussion in an information and guidance session at Lewisham custody suite, and a thorough action plan was devised to commence upon his release. No further police action was taken, so he was free to pursue the programme with no impending reprimands. He initially engaged with the Lewisham Construction Hub, where he undertook a construction focused IAG session, to provide further insight into the industry and the various trade pathways that might be pursued. He subsequently attended further sessions, completing English and Maths assessments, CV building and interview techniques. After completing at two-week course over September with Southwark Construction Skills Centre where he achieved a Level 1 City & Guilds 6219 Award in Basic Construction Skills, a City & Guilds Level 1 Award in Health & Safety in a Construction Environment, and the CITB Operative Test. He went on to complete a six-week training programme with Kensons Civils & Highways from October, again delivered at Lewisham Construction Hub. Not only did that provide him with invaluable experience on highways construction, but also offered him specific training in practical construction basics, from the use of tools, to drainage works and block paving. The final test of the programme was to sit the New Roads & Street Works Accreditation (NRSWA) for signing, lighting and guarding, which he passed with flying colours. In November, the young person graduated from the training programme and was offered an 18-month apprenticeship with Kensons, which began in January 2020. DIVERT have offered diligent support to the young man throughout his development journey to achieve his original goals. By creating opportunities, and introducing him to new professional standards, he has not only been able to develop his career prospects but has progressed on a personal level. He has improved his “softer skills”: communication, confidence, self-esteem and resilience. DIVERT will continue to support him n a new exciting chapter of his life that will hopefully steer him completely away from crime and problematic influences.