Rt. Hon. Stephen Crabb, Secretary for State Work and Pensions, recently visited Pembrokeshire College to team up with a group of young learners on The Prince’s Trust Team programme.

The Prince’s Trust Team programme is a 12-week personal development course designed to help unemployed young people, aged 16-25, gain the skills and confidence they need to find work.

Across the UK, Team has supported more than 187,000 young people, while research conducted by The Trust in 2015 revealed that every £1 invested in Team generates £2.99 in social value.

“It’s always rewarding working in partnership with The Prince’s Trust, observing a learner’s development from start to finish gives us great satisfaction. The Team experience will make a positive difference to these young people’s lives, which is a testament to what The Prince’s Trust stands for,” said Sharron Lusher, Pembrokeshire College Principal.

Stephen Crabb, who is the MP for Preseli Pembrokeshire, did more than just observe students. The session focused on what makes a successful work placement; Stephen, who was educated locally, enthusiastically offered his ‘do’s and don’ts’ of a successful work placement and recalled his first, which was at Tasker Millward School.

Stephen Crabb MP added: “I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Pembrokeshire College to see the Prince’s Trust Team Programme in action. The 12-week programme provides young people with the ability to carry out a work placement and also to gain new skills and a qualification. It was great to share with the group my own understanding of work experience as both a participant and an employer.

“The Prince’s Trust do such excellent work right across the United Kingdom and it was great to see the positive influence their programme is having on local students. Nationwide, three of out of four participants go on to either a college course or employment.”

Prince’s Trust learner, Tao Sine, was direct with Stephen by asking him outright: “Why are you here?”

Stephen said: “My role in the government requires me to engage and invest in young people and training and mentoring organisations like The Prince’s Trust and Pembrokeshire College.”

At the end of the session, Tao thanked the Minister enthusiastically: “I can’t believe that you have taken time out to visit us today, thanks!”

Phil Jones, director for The Prince’s Trust Cymru, said: “Our Team programme is crucial for so many young people in Wales who sometimes lack the skills and confidence they need to find work or just get on in life. They all have potential however and that is what our Team programme helps to find.

“We are grateful to Mr Crabb MP for his support, and we welcome other MPs to visit our programmes and witness the impact of our work on young lives in Wales.”