You can change young lives

La’Jay found The Prince’s Trust when seeking employment. He was trying to find a job and was on the verge of losing his house. Due to his resilience and passion for helping others, he now has a permanent role as a youth worker helping vulnerable children for a local authority.

“When I was out of work, I was doing everything I could to find a job. I looked online, went to the job centre and job fairs. I had had a run-in with the justice system which made applying for jobs very challenging. My life was extremely difficult at this point. I was on the verge of losing my home and I was stressed out trying to find a job. It was hard.”

In May 2019, La’Jay signed up for the Future Leaders programme which focuses on personal development, building confidence and essential employability skills.

I just wanted to do something constructive, and I found the programme very motivating and uplifting. It made me realise that I still had something to offer. Working with the Trust helped me to remember my self-worth which gave me back my self-confidence.
La’Jay then went to Get Hired, also run by The Trust, which brings together employers and young people without the need for a CV.

“I kept going to Get Hired events until I got a job at a café in Southwark. While working there, I also worked with a Prince’s Trust Executive in London and, together, we went into prisons to talk about my story, The Trust and how it helped me. I felt like I was making a difference and it cemented my goal of wanting to help others.”

In February 2020, La’Jay interviewed for a youth work apprenticeship with a local authority and was offered the position in March, just before the pandemic hit.

"During the pandemic, it was a very uncertain time for me. I was furloughed from my job at the café and wasn’t sure whether my new job offer still stood. I’d always wanted a full-time position and, finally, that opportunity was within reach. I feel like I missed out on opportunities during the pandemic – career-building, networking, and gaining new skills all stalled. Luckily, my apprenticeship began in July 2020. Starting this new role was challenging as I had to adapt to working with young people and colleagues virtually. However, after the 18 months was up, I passed with distinction."

La’Jay then applied for a full-time permanent role as a Youth Worker and got the job!

“I was so happy to be offered a permanent position – I work with looked-after children and care leavers, so I wanted to provide consistency and remain there for them. I was proud of myself and relieved I had achieved my goal.

“However, we are living through quite an uncertain time and people my age and younger are worried about the cost-of-living crisis. I think a lot of people are making small day-to-day changes to prepare for the winter months.

“All in all, I think living through the pandemic has taught me so much and made me more resilient and confident. I hope that in the near future, I can continue to have a positive impact on children and young people and create more time to establish myself in my career and focus on doing things for myself.

“I’m still involved with The Prince’s Trust and I would recommend anyone who is thinking of seeking support from the Trust to go for it!”