I was honoured to attend a “celebration day” with candidates who have successfully completed the Bright Lights ‘Starting Out’ course with Beaumont Shopping Centre.

This initiative – which combines classroom coaching with a work placement – is aimed at young people aged 16-24 who are unemployed and interested in a career in retail or hospitality.

I am so proud of all of those who took part in the course and really enjoyed meeting them. I will continue to do all I can to support schemes like this, which help young people gain the skills and experience they need to find work.