Chris Conrad writes:
"It comes as no surprise that the majority of juvenile offenders in Victorian times benefitted from apprenticeships and turned away from a life of crime.
"Apprenticeships are a great way for young people who lack qualifications or experience to develop new skills. But for some of the most disadvantaged young people, including those who have been in trouble with the law, the move from unemployment into an apprenticeship can seem like a daunting prospect.
"By working together to deliver the Team programme, supported by Barclays, which gives young people the skills and confidence to find work – the police and The Trust help young people to build their confidence and employability skills, making them eligible for apprenticeships.
"This programme makes a real difference in communities across the UK to divert young people away from crime and anti-social behaviour and to reduce re-offending.
"We know that just six percent of the young people who completed the programme with West Midlands Police offended in the following 6-18 months. This represents a staggering eighty-three percent reduction in offending and shows the huge difference the right support can make to a young person’s life.
"The Trust supports thousands of juvenile offenders each year and around two thirds of them move into work, education or training within three months of completing one of our programmes.
"With increased support from the public and private sector, we could help thousands more."