The Prince’s Trust works with 14 to 30-year-olds who have struggled at school, have been in care, are long-term unemployed or have been in trouble with the law.
Since 1976 they have helped more than 600,000 young people with practical and financial support and help developing key skills such as confidence and motivation. More on the Prince’s Trust> (opens in new window)
For a number of years, BabcockEnterprise has operated the Prince’s Trust Team – an initiative for unemployed and often vulnerable 16 to 25 year olds. The scheme increases confidence, raises aspirations and helps young people gain a qualification to help them move into education, employment, training or voluntary work.
The programme is run over twelve weeks:
Selection
The Team Leader targets young people from vulnerable groups to participate in the Programme. These include low achievers, young offenders, care leavers and single parents.
We’re pleased to say that 90% of participants achieve a qualification, and 75% of each team progress into education, training or employment.
- Sean Craven, Delivery Partner Manager
Week 1: Induction
The team spend time getting to know one another, learning key points such as health & safety and preparing for the subsequent residential week.
Week 2: Residential
The team spends a week in an outdoor activities centre in the Dales. As well as the organised activities, the team learns to cater and care for themselves.
Week 3: Practical project
The team identifies and plans a project that supports their local community, such as decorating a community facility or gardening for the local elderly.
Week 4-7: Work placements
The team then separates for individual work placements, with local companies, the public sector or charities.
Week 8-9: Preparation for next steps
The team comes together to think about what they will do once they have completed the programme. This includes developing job search skills, writing their CV’s and applying for relevant jobs or training.
Week 10: Team challenge
The team identifies a project to help a specific group in the community. The team is responsible for planning, fundraise, organise and deliver the entire project.
Weeks 11-12: End of activity / Final presentation
In their last week, the team plans and delivers a presentation to friends, family and special guests. After showcasing the work undertaken and describing their achievements, the team members are presented with Prince’s Trust certificates.