Some of the best partnerships begin with a simple introduction. Mine with Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Education, Employment and Training Team came through South Wales Police, who put me in touch with Kylie Braham and Luke Evans. I’ve only known them both for a few months, but it has quickly turned into one of the most rewarding working relationships I’ve had.

Since that first meeting, I’ve worked alongside the team on a number of brilliant projects, and they were lucky enough to secure funding to support their delivery. I’ve seen a lot of teams over the years, and this one stands out. Some would call them inspiring, and I’d agree. In some cases they do the role for the love of the outcome. That outcome might be getting a young person into work. It might be delivering a Christmas hamper and a Christmas tree to a family who need a lift. Either way, they put the same enthusiasm and passion into it.

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Care to Work is a good example of what that looks like in practice. The programme gives young people in Rhondda Cynon Taf real opportunities: a barista training course, a food hygiene qualification and, most recently, a construction course leading to the CSCS card needed to work on any UK building site.

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To some, a barista course or a food hygiene certificate might seem simple. For this group of young people, they are amazing achievements. A qualification on a CV can be what gets them an interview, a job offer or a place on the next course. These are first steps, and first steps are often the hardest to take.

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So where does a CAP fit in? Our role is help reduce underage drinking and the anti-social behaviour linked to it. We do that by bringing local partners together around prevention, education and positive activities for young people. Care to Work fits that aim completely. Some of these young people have had a tougher start than most. Without the right support at the right time, some could have gone down a different path. Positive activities, real skills and someone who believes in them can change that direction. That isn’t a side benefit of the work. It is the work.

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I’m proud that CAP has been able to play a small part, whether by funding exam fees, opening doors or simply championing what the team is doing. The credit belongs to the people who show up for these young people every day.

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I’ll keep being inspired by the people I work with, and by the Kylies and Lukes of this world. Their commitment is changing lives in Rhondda Cynon Taf, one opportunity at a time. RCT and Wales should be very proud of them and the other members of the Education, Employment and Training Team. 

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And finally, we’re not stopping there. I met the team again yesterday, over a lot of cake, and more amazing ideas are already being planned so there is plenty more to come.