Prince's Trust young people praised for work

Students, staff and family members attended a ceremony which celebrated the achievements and hard work they carried out working at the East Lancashire Hospitals Trust.

Participants spoke about their experience at the Trust, the training and support they had received and the skills they had learnt.

Thomas Pemberton (20) shared his positive experience of the programme and how it had given him a second chance.

He said: “Before starting the Prince’s Trust programme I felt like I had no chance of getting on with my life, as if I had no future ahead of me due to having a lack of experience and qualifications. That all started to turn around the day I got accepted onto the Prince’s Trust programme.

"The programme has exceeded my expectations as it has really got me on my feet and l now feel motivated and focused on improving my future. I am walking away with a new branch of opportunities to build on.”

After undertaking work and training in catering, portering and laundry services, students were presented with certificates marking their success. For many their hard work has paid off.

Over 80% of the participants on the project have been offered paid bank work at the Trust and a promise of a brighter future.