Youth Engagement and Participation Service, Rhondda Cynon Taf

RCT’s Youth Engagement and Participation Service (YEPS) in partnership with RealSkillz has been shortlisted for its transforming impact on young people across Rhondda Cynon Taf. 

The partners developed three community-based restoration schemes which have created meaningful pathways into employment for young people at risk of becoming NEET. These include work on a sheltered housing unit, a derelict hotel renovation in partnership with BBC’s ‘Homes Under the Hammer’, and improvements to a local primary school. With the support of the youth service, young people gained hands-on construction experience while directly improving community spaces.

Participants developed industry-recognised accreditations while learning teamwork, communication and responsibility through real-life challenges. The visible impact of their work in communities reinforced their value and potential, helping many young people to re-engage with learning and future careers.

Judges praised the project’s impact on raising aspirations, and equipping young people with confidence, resilience, and ambition.