Premier Forest Products has welcomed a new cohort of care-experienced young people to its Corporate Parenting Programme, reaffirming its ongoing commitment to supporting young people.

November marks National Care Leavers Month, shining a spotlight on the experiences, achievements and aspirations of young people leaving care.

Premier Forests’ Corporate Parenting Programme reflects the importance of providing consistent support and meaningful opportunities as young people transition into adulthood, helping them build confidence, develop skills and take positive steps towards their futures.

This National Care Leavers Month, Premier Forest Products is encouraging other businesses to consider how they can support care-experienced young people helping them build confidence and take positive steps towards their futures.

Launched three years ago in partnership with Newport City Council’s Children’s Services, the programme provides tailored work placements, where each participant is matched with an in-house mentor and receives tailored, wraparound support, including educational tutoring where needed.

There are currently nine young people taking part in the programme across several Premier Forest sites, gaining hands-on experience in a range of roles, including administration, finance and production.

This exposure allows participants to explore different career paths, develop valuable workplace skills and gain practical experience in a supportive environment.

Over the past year, the programme has continued to evolve, with stronger partnerships playing a key role in its development.

Closer collaboration with Newport City Council and the individual support workers who work directly with participants has helped create a more joined-up approach, ensuring young people receive consistent support both in and outside the workplace.

Premier Forest has also appointed Rosie Morgan, a dedicated Corporate Parenting Programme contact within the business, to provide a consistent point of contact for participants and managers.

This has strengthened communication, enhanced welfare support and helped ensure that each young person’s needs are understood and addressed.

Rosie said: “We’re really pleased with the outcomes we’ve seen from previous cohorts. Of the four young people we supported last year, three remain employed within the business and continue to progress in their roles, with some now undertaking apprenticeships and accessing further development opportunities.

“The fourth participant left the programme to pursue further education, which is also a positive outcome and a reflection of the confidence and aspirations the programme aims to encourage.

“We’ve recently welcomed five new participants and are continuing to build on what we’ve learned over the past three years.

“We’ve also reviewed and strengthened our policies, procedures and support mechanisms to ensure the programme continues to meet the needs of the young people involved and provides them with the best possible experience.”

Terry Edgell, CEO and Co-Founder of Premier Forest Products, said: “The programme is about much more than employment opportunities.

“It’s about providing stability, support and development, while opening genuine long-term career prospects for young people as they transition into adulthood.

“We’re proud of the progress made so far and remain committed to building on this success, strengthening the initiative and helping more young people take positive steps towards their futures.”