Premier Forest Products has reinforced its commitment to social responsibility by becoming the first private sector company to sign the Welsh Government’s Corporate Parenting Charter.

Working in partnership with Newport City Council, Premier Forest provides paid work placements for up to six young people each year.

Opportunities are offered across departments including finance, operations, logistics and manufacturing, helping participants gain practical experience, build confidence and transition into employment.

Since launching the initiative, Premier Forest has supported 12 young people through structured placements.

Each participant is matched with an in-house mentor and receives tailored wraparound support.

Where needed, additional assistance is provided for educational tutoring and exam fees up to GCSE level, enabling young people to achieve the qualifications required for their chosen career paths.

The programme reflects a growing recognition of the role the private sector can play in corporate parenting supporting care-experienced young people to access the same opportunities as their peers.

To date, 73 public and third sector organisations have signed the Welsh Government’s Corporate Parenting Charter, committing to a shared set of principles aimed at supporting care-experienced children and young people.

As the first private sector signatory, Premier Forest Products is helping to broaden engagement and set a precedent for other employers.

The company’s programme, which began as a local pilot in Newport, South Wales, has already demonstrated measurable impact, with participants progressing into employment, education and training. There are now ambitions to expand the initiative nationally and encourage wider industry participation.

Terry Edgell, Group CEO of Premier Forest Products, said: “As a business, we have always believed that commercial success comes with social responsibility.

“Our corporate parenting programme is built on a simple principle: providing the care, encouragement and structure that every young person deserves.

“Young people are gaining confidence, developing skills and moving into employment with a renewed sense of purpose. By taking this step, we hope to lead by example encouraging more businesses to get involved and helping to expand opportunities for care-experienced young people across the UK.”