YOUNG people desperate to find work have been given a helping hand.
Fifteen jobseekers from Wrexham earnt a place on a free Prince’s Trust customer service programme designed to give 16-25-year-olds the chance to learn new skills and the confidence to use abilities they already have.
Vicky Evans, programme executive for the trust, is delighted by the efforts of the ‘Get into Customer Service’ group and is certain members will soon be rewarded with an offer of work.
She said: “Most youngsters are already work-ready and motivated – they just haven’t got the confidence to use their skills.
“But once you give them five minutes of support and tell them ‘yes you can’ instead of ‘no you can’t’ they are more than capable.”
The group took part in a week’s training in interview technique, provided by Harvey McQueen, Acorn Recruitment and Remploy, and customer service before starting a week’s work placement at businesses including New Look, Wrexham FC and Wrexham Council Youth Service and their hard work was rewarded with a certificate presentation ceremony at The Racecourse in Wrexham.
Miss Evans added: “The course basically offers young people the chance to change their lives.
“It’s a voluntary course so everyone wants to be there and is really keen to get into work.
“Signing up is a really positive step.”
Hannah Gater, of Daniels Drive, Ruabon, took part in the course and spent a week on work placement at Travel Time, King Street.
The 21-year-old revealed she had not known what to do when she left school but now has fresh hope of finding work and is planning to go back to college.
She also hopes to find a work placement in childcare while she studies.
She said: “It’s really improved my self confidence and I know I’ve got the skills needed to get a job now. I’m so determined to get somewhere and the Prince’s Trust has given me a better chance of achieving that.
“The work placement was really great experience as I’ve never worked in a customer service environment before.”
When asked about the disorder in London and other cities, which some believe were caused by youths lacking direction, Vicky said the Prince’s Trust works tirelessly to combat that attitude.
She said: “Anyone can achieve if given positive support and an opportunity.
“If young people feel they have got something to offer but cannot put it to use they will of course become frustrated.
“The Prince’s Trust basically tries to give young people the chance to be as fantastic as they want to be.”
The next course will be held at Wrexham FC on September 9 with a taster session on August 31.