THE 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 the Island's young people.
The organisation is developing a proposal aimed at enhancing the career prospects of NEETs – those young people not in education, employment or training.
Prince's Trust in the Island will address the issue by delivering the "Team Programme" – a 12 week personal development initiative designed to help unemployed young people aged 16 to 25.
The Trust will work in partnership with the Isle of Man Youth Service to progress the plans which will bring together 15 young people for a series of community, residential, and work experience projects.
Those who successfully complete the course will gain a nationally recognised qualification, practical skills, self belief, new friends and help towards moving into a job, training, or education.
Robin James chairman of the Prince's Trust Committee in the Isle of Man 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."
The programme is free and participants earn a training allowance. Assistance is provided beyond the initial twelve weeks with additional support available from the Isle of Man College, Department of Economic Development, and other voluntary organisations.
The Isle of Man Committee is committed to raising funds to cover all the associated costs and is aiming to run the first programme early in 2011.
Mr James continued: "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 should contact Robin James on 07624 495380.
