Billy
Wright
Billy, 26, from Somerset was unemployed for
almost two years before getting help from The Prince’s Trust. After
becoming a Young Ambassador, and being offered a permanent job
in construction, he now encourages other young people to
follow their aspirations.
He left school with very few GCSEs,
and felt as if his teachers had failed to give him the support he
needed because he didn’t perform well in exams and lacked clear
direction.
After leaving school, Billy found casual work as a plasterer but
didn’t have the qualifications necessary to find a permanent job in
construction.
Like many unemployed young people, Billy wanted to work but
lacked the self-belief necessary to perform well in interviews. For
Billy, unemployment started a vicious circle; being out of work
knocked his confidence and made him feel depressed, which in turn
made it difficult for him to find work.
He was encouraged to sign up to the charity’s Get into
Construction course, a free training programme that provides young
people with practical support to find work within the construction
industry.
As part of the course, Billy gained his CSCS card, a requirement
for working in construction, and soon he was offered a permanent
contract, working to maintain heritage buildings in the UK. He has
also taken on the role of Young Ambassador and proved to be a
valuable asset to The Trust.
He played an integral part in helping Clifton College Preschool
raise over £13,000 for The Trust and has faced his fear of public
speaking by presenting at numerous events including school
assemblies, parents’ evenings, fundraising events about his
experiences of life before, during and after The Trust.
He feels privileged to represent The Trust and hopes to continue
to use his role to speak to young people and encourage them to
follow their aspirations, whatever background they have had.
He said:
The Prince’s Trust Get into Construction scheme
gave me a chance, and I left with the skills and self-confidence I
needed to find work in the construction industry. I am proud to
represent the charity as a Young Ambassador as I believe that
without their help, I would not be where I am today.
Champions
We would like to acknowledge the individuals or organisations
who have played a key role in helping this young person achieve
success through their Prince’s Trust programme.
- Ben Wild, Site Manager, Nimbus
- Jack Lewis, The Prince’s Trust