For young people who are unemployed, taking the next step into work can feel daunting. Derby County Community Trust’s King’s Trust Team programme supports 16 to 25-year-olds to develop new skills, build confidence and gain valuable experience through a free 12-week personal development course. 

Leo Wilks, 25, joined the programme in May 2026 after looking for work and volunteering opportunities. He says taking part has helped him develop new skills, meet new people and prepare for his next steps into employment.

Before joining the programme, Leo studied engineering and motor vehicle courses at college. Looking for a new opportunity to continue developing himself, he decided to sign up to the King’s Trust Team programme.

Leo said: “Before I was on the programme, I was just looking around for work and looking for volunteering. I joined this programme because I wanted to learn some new skills, improve the skills I already have and meet some new people.”

Although excited to get started, Leo admits he was nervous on his first day. But as the programme progressed, one of the biggest highlights for Leo was the friendships he built with other participants. 

Reflecting on his favourite part of the programme, he said: “Meeting new people, because before I didn’t really speak to a lot of people, but now I speak to these people every day.”

Alongside building friendships, Leo believes the programme has helped him develop important life skills that will benefit him in the future: “I’ve learnt to better control my timekeeping. I’ve learnt to communicate well with others and empathise with them.”

The programme has also helped Leo better understand himself and identify the areas he wants to continue developing. He said: “It’s made me realise what I know about myself and what I need to improve on, so it’s given me areas to work on.”

Looking back, Leo says his biggest achievement has been stepping outside of his comfort zone. He explained: “My biggest achievement would probably be getting out of my comfort zone. I normally don’t get on with meeting new people, but everyone here has been really friendly.”

Now preparing to move into employment, Leo says the programme has given him greater confidence for the future. He said: “The programme’s boosted my confidence. It’s shown me what I need to improve on and what areas I’m already good at.”

Leo is now looking for opportunities in the hospitality and retail sectors as he takes the next step in his career. 

For any young person considering joining the King’s Trust Team programme, Leo has a simple message: “If you need a bit of a confidence boost, sign up. It’s really helped me.”