Finance firm mentors young people

More than 45 volunteers from the finance industry have been trained by The Prince’s Trust to mentor young people in Jersey to prepare for the world of work.

The volunteers from HSBC bank received bespoke training from the Prince’s Trust in order to support young people who are participating on their Achieve Programme across Jersey, Guernsey and Alderney.

The Prince’s Trust Achieve Programme is a personal development course run in the Channel Islands by the Jersey Youth Service and the Youth Commission for Guernsey and Alderney for 14 to 16-year-olds.

The volunteers will run a series of workshops to mentor young people in CV writing, workplace readiness, communication skills, money management, teamwork and enterprise skills.

Jersey’s Minister for Education, Senator Tracey Vallois, said: “It’s fantastic to see local employers partnering with the Prince’s Trust to support young people. The commitment and added value that the volunteers will offer the young people is greatly appreciated. Soft skills like these are vital in a range of industries, so developing such skills now will enable these young people to thrive in the future.”

The scheme, which launches later this month supports the educational achievement of young people through a practical approach to learning, helping to build their confidence and fulfil their potential, while preparing themselves for the world of work.

Nathan Le Motte, Prince’s Trust Coordinator for the Jersey Youth Service said: “The range of experiences and knowledge that the volunteers will bring to the Achieve Programme will give the young people more knowledge about the opportunities that are available to them now and in the future as they develop and progress throughout their education journey.”

HSBC has enhanced its existing partnership with The Prince’s Trust beyond funding, which it has done for the last two years, by launching the employee volunteer programme to further support young people in the Channel Islands.

Chantal Le Goff, Head of Sustainability for HSBC in the Channel Islands and Isle of Man said: “I’m delighted we’re extending our involvement in The Prince’s Trust Achieve Programme. Social inclusion, entrepreneurship and future proofing the employability of youth are at the heart of HSBC’s strategy for sustainable communities. I am proud we are able to strengthen our existing commitment to support the work of the Jersey Youth Service and Youth Commission for Guernsey and Alderney in this practical way. Our team of volunteers are a force for good and passionate about making a positive difference to young people’s lives.”