The Prince’s Trust Cymru welcomed First Minister Mark Drakeford to its Cardiff Centre on the 6th February to meet young people who have transformed their lives with support from the youth charity.
The visit follows the recent Futures at Stake report released by The Prince’s Trust Cymru, which found that less than half of 16-30 year olds in Wales feel confident they can find a job they want (47%). Through a variety of courses, The Prince’s Trust Cymru provides support to give young people the confidence and skills to overcome difficulties they face in finding the right job.
First Minister Mark Drakeford met with young people from two of The Trust’s core programmes: “This was a great opportunity to meet and talk to young people supported by The Prince’s Trust Cymru. The charity’s work focuses on areas the Welsh Government is as committed to encouraging and supporting.
“Young people need confidence and ambition to flourish and the thriving entrepreneurial spirit we have in Wales is so important for the Welsh economy. The way the Prince’s Trust Cymru helps young people gain confidence on the Fairbridge programme, helping others to steer their business ideas to successful outcomes on the Enterprise programme, cannot be underestimated.”
Fairbridge
The First Minister was greeted by seven young people, who planned, prepared and served a meal to all visitors as part of the Fairbridge Programme. Fairbridge is a programme for young people aged 16-25 who are not in education, employment or training. It offers a mix of group activities and one-to-one support to develop the skills and confidence young people need to move forward.
Jordan Davey, 17, from Cardiff, joined the Fairbridge programme last summer, and said it helped her progress:
“When I came on the Fairbridge programme, I was struggling to get out of bed in the mornings. Fairbridge gave me a routine, skills, friends, and has helped me figure out what I want. I am now studying Animal Care in college and really enjoying it so far. I wouldn’t have had the confidence to join this course if it weren’t for Fairbridge.”
Enterprise
The First Minister also met four young people who have set up their own businesses, with the help of The Prince’s Trust Enterprise programme, a programme for 18-30 year olds which provides guidance and support towards becoming self-employed.
Matthew Newell, 30, from Chepstow, launched his business, Wye Valley Meadery, with the support of the Enterprise programme:
“It was great to share my story with The First Minister today. The Prince’s Trust Cymru helped me turn my dream job into a reality, and they believed in me – which was the best help for my business. From small beginnings, I have now secured my own premises, and my product is now stocked in shops across the UK.”
Philip Jones, Director of The Prince’s Trust Cymru said:
“The First Minister has met with young people today who have had a helping hand from The Prince’s Trust Cymru to turn their lives around. Our Futures at Stake report showed us that there are still so many young people in Wales seeking the confidence to take their next steps in education, training or employment. It is our aim to help as many young people as possible to start something, wherever they live in Wales.”
The Prince’s Trust Cymru supports over 3500 young people across Wales each year, supporting 11-30 year olds to take their next steps in education, training and employment.
To find out more about how The Prince’s Trust Cymru works with employers, call 02920 431 500 or email [email protected]
