Young people from the Prince’s Trust programme at Neath Port Talbot Council are in the running for three top awards in Wales.
Shortlisted are Team 111 for the Community Impact Award, Jay Ellis for the Breakthrough Award and David Peake for the Flying Start Award.
Winners in Wales will be announced at a Prince’s Trust Celebrate Success Award ceremony in Cardiff on the 18th November. If the entrants from Neath Port Talbot are successful, they will go on to represent Wales in the UK National Finals to be held at Leicester Square next March in the presence of Prince Charles.
The Prince’s Trust is run by Neath Port Talbot Council’s Skills and Training Unit at Milland Road in Neath and celebrates its 20th anniversary next year. Around 130 unemployed young people ranging in age from 16 to 25 take part in 12 week programmes every year.
Leadership, motivation, responsibility and confidence building are just some of the personal skills young people develop. Others are problem solving, communication, working as part of a team, caring for others and tolerance.
The Breakthrough Award recognises the progress of young people in overcoming barriers and developing new skills. 17 year old Jay Ellis from Port Talbot has been through the Prince’s Trust programme and has managed to change his life around.
Team 111 are up for the Community Impact Award which recognises the positive contribution a group of young people make to their local community. Team 111 transformed the rear garden area for Cyrenians Wales, a local charity who help with homelessness and employment support.
25 year old David Peake is shortlisted for the Flying Start Award given to young people who have transformed their lives and have found employment.
Thanks to the programme, David, after many disappointments, was able to get his life back on track, develop new skills and find a career that he enjoys.
Council Leader, Ali Thomas, said, “The Prince’s Trust programme gives young people the opportunity to gain qualifications and develop personal skills required by employers.
“This gives them a much better chance of finding employment.
“The team do valuable work with young people and I wish them all the best for the awards.”
