The Prince’s Trust has announced the creation of 100 new jobs for young unemployed people who will then assist a further 100,000 to gain employment.

Young people who have faced long-term unemployment will be employed as ‘job ambassadors’ with the aim of helping other young people into work. Prince’s Trust chief executive Martina Milburn explained the theory behind employing people who have been in a similar position to those they are assisting.

“We know that long-term unemployment can be demoralising – crushing self-esteem and derailing ambition. The young people we are employing will have lived through this. They will be able to share their own experiences with today’s unemployed young people and - crucially – give them the inspiration, advice and guidance they need to find a job,” said Milburn.

The Prince's Trust will invest approximately £2m a year into the scheme. Funding will come from money already raised, although the Prince's Trust is encouraging businesses and individuals to come forward and help the initiative to grow beyond its targets. 

The Prince of Wales visited the Trust headquarters on 15 February to launch the scheme and speak directly to some of the newly-employed youngsters. The work programme has also been endorsed by public figures such as Stephen Fry and James Caan.

The initiative will commence in the West Midlands where Wolverhampton currently has one of the highest unemployment rates among young people. Other areas with low levels of youth employment will be targeted once the scheme goes nationwide.

Three-quarters of those helped by the Prince’s Trust last year moved into work, education or training. Job ambassador roles are open to those who have successfully completed a Prince’s Trust programme and are aged between 16 and 30.

Youth unemployment rose by 22,000 to a record high of 1.04 million last month.