The Princes Charities in Burnley, UK

When growing up, there weren’t opportunities for young people like me in Burnley nor were there many BME role models. Having completed my A-level’s at college, I did not know what I wanted to do in life My volunteer work as a sports coach at a local council gave confidence and helped me get my first full time only at the age of 19.

When my contract as a Community Sports Coach ended two years later, my mentor encouraged me to apply for a job at The Prince’s Trust. My initial reply was “I’d never get a job there, I’m from Burnley. They only employ posh people.” Little did I know that a few weeks later I’d be working for The Prince’s Trust. I started working for the Princes Trust in September 2008, a time when many of my friends were struggling to find jobs even with a university degree.

My role as a Programme Executive – Engagement gives me an opportunity to help young people overcome challenges that I had once faced. I was also very keen to contribute to the development and progress of my home town, and being a part of this team has given me the platform to do so! I believe that young people in the BME community now have what I was missing growing up in Burnley; a role model who they can look up to and talk to.

Awais Javid