Affordable, effective training for your staff. Steve Wiggins, HR Director at The Prince’s Trust, introduces just one aspect of the organisation that you might not have expected.

When RBS employee Lisa first started on a Prince’s Trust course to help disadvantaged young people, she was nervous at what lay ahead.

“I was taken totally out of my comfort zone and put in a very alien situation which was, by far, the most challenging aspect of the course,” she explained. “When challenged with getting a switched off 16-year-old to plan a community project you soon learn different methods to get them going!

“I was amazed how hard it actually was but the rewards far outweighed the effort. What I learnt and the experiences I had will stay with me forever. I have developed a lot more confidence – mainly in myself but I have also learnt to have a lot more in others. The whole course was amazing and I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in developing their people.”

With training budgets cut as the recession continues to bite, many HR directors are looking for new training opportunities for staff that are affordable and effective. One option you might not have considered is the charity sector.

As a youth charity The Prince’s Trust is leading the way with innovative opportunities for employees – like Lisa - most notably on its Team programme.

Team is the charity’s flagship 12 week personal development scheme. It helps disadvantaged and unemployed 16-25-year-olds build the skills and motivation they need for work. Around 10-15 young people take part on each course which runs in 300 locations across the UK.

The Prince’s Trust also provides a unique opportunity for an employed young person on every Team. This individual will work alongside the team for 20 days over the 12-week period, helping to uncover hidden talents, develop teamwork, communication and leadership skills and build their own self-esteem in a new environment.

During the 12 weeks the employee is part of a series of challenges - which includes community-based and a residential projects - introducing new surroundings and developing skills outside the workplace.

This provides a one-off opportunity to meet and work alongside young people from a variety of backgrounds. From those who have struggled at school or come from difficult family backgrounds, care leavers, ex-offenders and those who have been long-term unemployed.

The employee will be part of a journey re-engaging these young people with life. During Team, young people are able to turn their lives around, think about their futures and get themselves back on track.

For the employees involved it is also a positive story and skills developed on Team are eminently transferable back into the workplace. A recent survey of HM Revenue & Customs employees revealed that 97% of participants on Team felt they had enhanced all of their competencies as a result of their participation. 94% of their managers agreed.

96% of participants felt that their motivation, and 94% their ability to work with others, had improved most. 93% felt their understanding and problem-solving skills had improved while 92% felt they had better management and leadership skills.

This is a unique training experience and a chance to work in a team with a diverse range of individuals and learn from them while developing both work and personal skills. Priced at £1250 per employee it offers excellent value for employers.

For further information email getinvolved@princes-trust.org.uk or visit www.princes-trust.org.uk/employedteam