PRINCE’S Trust in the Isle of Man is set to embark on its most ambitious project to date in a bid to provide valuable assistance to a section of the Island’s young people.
The organisation, which has supported numerous local individuals in recent years, is developing a proposal aimed at enhancing the career prospects of NEETs – those not in education, employment or training.
NEETs has been identified as an area of growing concern in the Isle of Man as the global economic downturn and strong competition in the labour market makes it harder for school and university leavers to secure employment.
Prince’s Trust in the Isle of Man is committed to playing its part in addressing the issue by delivering the ‘Team Programme’, a 12-week personal development initiative designed to help unemployed young people aged 16 to 25.
The organisation is currently working in partnership with the Isle of Man Youth Service to progress the plans which would bring together 15 young people for a series of community, residential and work experience projects.
The aim is to emulate the success achieved by Prince’s Trust in the UK where the Team Programme has been instrumental in providing a positive new direction for thousands of young people.
Those who successfully complete the course gain a nationally recognised qualification, practical skills, self-belief, new friends and help towards moving into a job, training or education.
The programme is free, participants earn a training allowance and assistance is provided well beyond the initial 12 weeks, with additional support available from the Isle of Man College, Department of Economic Development (Careers and Training) and other voluntary organisations.
There are also significant benefits for the wider community as those taking part join forces to generate, develop and deliver projects to improve local neighbourhoods.
Chairman of the Prince’s Trust Committee in the Isle of Man Robin James said: ‘The Team Programme is a fantastic development opportunity for young people who are unemployed, unmotivated or unsure of their future. If a lack of confidence or qualifications is holding them back, then this course will provide practical and meaningful assistance, as well as a promise of ongoing support once the programme has finished.
‘NEETs is an emerging issue in the Isle of Man and one that Prince’s Trust is determined to tackle in order to help create a brighter future for our young people. In the UK the Team Programme has a proven track record of getting young people into employment or training and that success is something we want to replicate here in the Island. This is a very exciting proposal and one that I hope the whole community will embrace,’ he added.
The Isle of Man Committee is committed to raising funds to cover all the associated costs, with the aim of running its first Team Programme early in 2011.
Mr James said: ‘This is an opportunity for companies to demonstrate their support for the local community in a positive way. All the money we raise in the Island is committed to local projects and I would urge anybody interested in backing this very worthwhile venture to get in touch.’
Anybody keen to find out more about sponsorship opportunities with Prince’s Trust in the Isle of Man is asked to contact Robin James on 495380.
Ends
Thursday 25th, November 2010 01:06pm.
