Six unemployed young people from the West Midlands have been offered apprenticeships with Centro and Virgin Trains after completing a Prince’s Trust course to help them move into employment.
The successful six were unveiled at a presentation event on Friday March 11, attended by Dudley North MP and Shadow Sports Minister Ian Austin.
Charlotte Carter, 21 from Bewdley, Worcestershire, Luke Gibbs, 25 from Quinton, Birmingham, Luke Neate, 20 from Old Hill, West Midlands, and Farrah Begum 19, from Alum Rock, Birmingham, secured customer service roles with Virgin Trains.
Kelah Fox, 25 from Moseley, Birmingham and Dwain Stevens, 23 from Newtown, Birmingham, were both given similar apprenticeships with Centro.
Speaking at the event Mr Austin, said: “Of all the things I’ve been invited to, this has been one of the most pleasurable, enjoyable and inspiring events it has been my privilege to attend.
“I think it is absolutely brilliant to see companies from the private public and voluntary sectors joining together to give young people this fantastic opportunity.”
The news comes after the 18 to 25-year-olds spent time on the four-week programme gaining valuable experience in public transport.
As part of the flagship scheme, the group each spent three weeks working in various departments at Centro and a week with Virgin Trains. They were also given support with job searching, interview and application skills.
Kathy Williams, West Midlands regional director for The Prince’s Trust, said: “The Prince’s Trust Get into Transport course provides a great opportunity for young people to gain valuable work experience to help them find a job. More than three in four young people helped by The Prince’s Trust move into work, training or education.
““We have developed a valuable partnership with Centro. After the success of last year’s programme we are delighted to also have Virgin Trains on board to help young people move into work.”
The Prince’s Trust had initially teamed up with Centro and Virgin Trains to provide 12 work four-week placements as part of the youth charity’s Get into Transport programme.
Chris Gibb, Chief Operating Officer at Virgin Trains said: “I am very pleased that Virgin Trains has been involved in this initiative. Last year Centro impressed me with work they were doing with the Prince’s Trust, and we decided to get involved ourselves this year. I am delighted these young people will have an opportunity to learn about customer service from our excellent team at Wolverhampton.”
Last year Centro, the West Midlands Integrated Transport Authority, ran the first successful programme with The Prince’s Trust which resulted in one apprenticeship and four other young people gaining temporary employment.
Centro Chief Executive Geoff Inskip said: “The get into transport scheme is a fabulous initiative giving young people a real chance to gain experience working in public transport. The four week programme is designed to give all of those who participate valuable experience and the opportunity to gain and develop skills and identify their strengths.
“This is the second year of Centro’s involvement with the Prince’s Trust and we are delighted that this year Virgin Trains have joined with us in offering a further apprenticeship places.”
Centro Chairman, Councillor Angus Adams told all the participants: “We have got 12 winners here not just six. Everyone who took part on the course has picked up skills that will last them for the rest of their lives. If you use this experience in the future I am sure none of you will have any problem finding employment.”
