SIX young people have secured full-time jobs as a direct result of taking part in a month-long, free training scheme initiated by youth charity The Prince’s Trust and based in Fenland.

Others who took part in the scheme have gained skills and experience that boost their chances of finding work.

The success story comes as a new report from The Prince’s Trust and RBS shows how almost one in seven youngsters in the East of England (14 per cent) feel that “people like them don’t succeed in life”.

The Prince’s Trust’s Get into Welding course involved two weeks’ training at the Fenland Engineering Skills Centre (FESC) at the Metalcraft factory in Chatteris, followed by another two weeks on work experience with various companies in Cambridgeshire.

The programme was organised by The Prince’s Trust in partnership with Metalcraft, Fenland District Council, Cambridgeshire County Council, the Fenland 14-19 Partnership, Jobcentre Plus, the National Apprenticeship Service and SEMTA (the Sector Skills Council for Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies).

Speaking at a presentation ceremony at FDC’s South Fens Business Centre in Chatteris, Ian Alford, of the Fenland 14-19 Partnership, told a group of the young people who had taken part: “You’ve been a stunning success.

“We work with schools, the College of West Anglia and the local authority to try and improve the skill sets and outcomes for young people – and you are living proof that it can be done.”

Richard Garnett, of The Prince’s Trust, said: “The Prince’s Trust Get into Welding course provides a great opportunity for young people to gain valuable work experience to help them find a job. The young people we support have often overcome long-term unemployment, poverty or homelessness to turn their lives around. I would like to thank all partners involved in making this successful course possible.”

More than three in four young people helped by The Prince’s Trust move into work, training or education.

Chris Eadie, of the Welding Institute, described the project as “a fabulous scheme” and looked forward to supporting similar ventures in the future.

“It gives knowledge, skills and experience,” he said.

Councillor Alan Melton, Leader of Fenland District Council, said: “This is exactly the sort of initiative and result that we had in mind when we helped to set up the FESC last year. It shows the very real benefits that can come out of different organisations pooling resources and working closely together.”