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ANT AND DEC JOIN FORCES WITH THE PRINCE’S TRUST TO HELP YOUNG PEOPLE MAKE IT IN MEDIA

• 5th May 2021

Ant and Dec have partnered with youth charity The Prince’s Trust to help the next generation develop skills for the media industry, and find jobs and training opportunities, through a new and unique programme called Ant & Dec’s Making it in Media. 

Watch the video here:

The free two-week course will kick off in London this July, giving participants the opportunity to gain industry knowledge from a number of experts, while also developing their self-confidence and practical skills.  

The course, for those aged 16 to 25 who are not in work, education or training, will provide hands-on training, a better understanding of some of the behind-the-scenes roles in the industry, a chance to work as a team on a project related to TV production, and guidance on CV writing and interview techniques in a supportive environment. 

After the course, young people will have the opportunity to meet employers and even interview for jobs, helping break down barriers to employment for young people trying to get into the media industry, and giving recruiters the chance to hire young talent from a diverse range of backgrounds.  

Grants of up to £250 will also be available to help young people cover costs related to accessing work, such as childcare, travel or work-related equipment. 

Speaking in a video message for a short film introducing the new programme, President and Founder of youth charity The Prince’s Trust, HRH The Prince of Wales, says: 

“The aim of my Prince’s Trust has always been to help young people to fulfil their potential and, by helping them into jobs and training, to change some individuals’ lives for the better.  

“Being able to raise young people’s aspirations is incredibly important, arguably more so now than ever, and that is exactly what my Trust is doing by finding young people opportunities in the media industry today. I can think of no better duo to help drive this activity than Ant and Dec, who have enjoyed an illustrious career in the media for over 30 years.” 

Ant and Dec appear in the video from the set of ITV’s Saturday Night Takeaway.  

Ant & Dec’s Making it in Media project with The Prince’s Trust is the first collaborative programme co-designed by Ant and Dec and the youth charity, and it will explore some of the many behind-the-scenes roles involved in the industry. 

Commenting on the project, Ant said: “Our Making it in Media course with The Prince’s Trust is a real passion project for us and something we’ve wanted to work on for a long time. There are so many roles in TV and media that young people may have never considered as a career. We want to help young people find out more about the industry.” 

Dec added: “Starting out in the world of work can be challenging at the best of times, but right now it is harder than ever for young people. We hope this course offers some inspiration, practical skills and experience that young people can take with them into the workplace. We’re incredibly proud to be partnering with The Prince’s Trust on this and we hope we can help make a difference to some young people’s lives.” 

Throughout the pandemic, young people have shouldered the worst of the unemployment crisis, accounting for almost two thirds of the overall fall in employment. The Making it in Media course will support young people at this difficult time, helping to unlock their potential and providing them with the chance to gain new skills and even connect with employers in the sector. 

The first course will run in London this Summer and there are plans to take the project to Manchester and Newcastle. Ant & Dec and The Prince’s Trust are looking to work with employers in each of these cities who are keen to hire new, young talent. 

The Prince’s Trust has helped more than one million young people across the UK since it was founded in 1976 and focuses on supporting young people who have faced disadvantage and adversity to build their confidence and skills for work. 

The Trust’s practical employability courses, run with the assistance of the charity’s youth support workers and mentors, help young people to move into work, education or training.  

To find out more contact The Prince’s Trust on 0800 842 842 or visit The Prince’s Trust website at princes-trust.org.uk.