Free development programmes for young people

14 April 2022

The Prince's Trust is offering a range of free courses for Islanders aged 16 to 25, to help them develop confidence and communication skills, and boost their wellbeing.

The programmes being offered range in length from one week, to 12 weeks, to year-round courses. Those taking part will build a range of skills including outdoor adventure, team building, interview skills, and CV-writing. Several of the courses lead to an award or qualification. 

No previous experience or qualification is needed to take part in the courses, which include:

• Get Started in Outdoor Adventure (April 25-29) A week of outdoor activities, which will lead to a silver National Outdoor Learning Award.
• Get Started Digital Drama (September 1-9) A week of outdoor activities, which will lead to a silver National Outdoor Learning Award.
• Really NEET  (Runs continuously): Young people who are not in employment, education or training (NEETs) can join a programme run by Highlands College which offers bespoke learning and mental health support throughout the year.  They can also attend Skills Jersey and/or Prince's Trust.
• The Prince's Trust Team Programme  (May 23 – August 12) (26 September - 16  December) is a 12-week self-development course that enables young people to achieve a recognised qualification in Employment, Teamwork and Community skills.
  

Jo Dove, Youth Worker at the Prince's Trust, said: "It has been a difficult couple of years for everyone due to the COVID pandemic, and for young people struggling to get into work or education it has added anxiety and uncertainty.

"The Prince's Trust recognises this: that's why we offer a supportive and informal learning environment that can help build confidence so young people can access more opportunities."

Aimee Godfray, who has taken part in previous programmes, said: "Thanks to the Prince's Trust, I regained my confidence I had sadly lost over the past few years. I didn't believe I'd ever regain my confidence to its previous level, but Prince's Trust has allowed me to regain it and made it even better. The Prince's Trust course is probably the most useful thing I've ever undertaken."

More information is available via the Government of Jersey website.