Railtrack plc

Making a real dent in youth unemployment
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date 9 July 1997
source Railtrack plc
type Press release

The Prince's Trust Volunteers provides a unique opportunity for 16-25 year olds from all backgrounds, both unemployed and in work, to develop their confidence, teamworking and communication skills in a challenging environment while contributing to the community and gaining a qualification.

Everyone who takes part joins a team of young people led by a trained team leader, in a programme of team building, an outdoor residential week and challenging tasks in the community. The programme lasts for either 20 or 60 days. 16,000 have taken part since The Prince of Wales launched the programme in 1990. The programmes are now run in 150 locations across the UK by partner organisations from the public, private and voluntary sectors.

Seventy five per cent are in work or further education within 12 months of participating. Fifty per cent of all the young people who take part continue with some type of voluntary work afterwards.

Railtrack is the first major sponsor to back The Prince's Trust Volunteers 'Adopt-a-Team' scheme, supporting teams on this personal development programme across the country. "We are very grateful for this valuable support which will help many young people to fulfil their potential," said Elizabeth Crowther-Hunt, Director of The Prince's Trust Volunteers. "Our programme is now well established and highly successful. We are making a real dent in unemployment but there is still much to be done."

"Volunteering is very much on the Government agenda but help from the private sector is invaluable too. We look forward to working together with Railtrack on this project."

Railhub Archive ::: 1997-07-09 RTK-005