Here at Boots, we’re committed to transforming the lives of young people. Since 2019, we’ve been working with The Prince’s Trust to empower the next generation of young people to realise their full potential by proving real employment opportunities that enable each individual to build their skills, confidence and self-esteem.
We know that the effects of COVID-19 are having a detrimental impact on young people’s mental health and their future career prospects. However, The Prince’s Trust is a youth charity that is supporting vulnerable young people to get back on track. The charity particularly supports those who are currently unemployed, struggling at school or at risk of exclusion.
Through our partnership, we have been able to support 73 young people through paid working opportunities in our stores, our Nottingham Support Office, and Burton Warehouse during the 2020-21 financial year.
Meet Basil, Warehousing Operator:
Basil took part in the Boots Step into Warehousing programme developed with The Prince’s Trust. After successfully completing a two week work placement he was offered a role as a Warehouse Operative.
"Having a long term job has given me consistency, a routine and helped me to develop my skills. I have learnt to work in a team and feel more confident communicating with people" - Basil
Meet Annabelle, No7 Advisor:
Annabelle was one of the first young people to take part in a Boots and Prince’s Trust programme, and, after successfully completing a two-week work placement, was offered a role as a No7 Advisor in a Boots flagship store. On being offered a permanent role, Annabelle said:
"It felt amazing, and I was so proud because they told me I was really confident, which I thought I wasn’t, and this really gave me a boost. This will always be a special experience in my life… it was a great opportunity for youngsters like me. I learned and gained a lot." - Annabelle
KickStart Programme
We are proud to be working in partnership with The Prince’s Trust and the Department for Work and Pensions to deliver the new KickStart programme, which launched on 12 April 2021. Boots has supported 35 young people into paid work opportunities. 91 young people from the Trust were also supported through virtual World of Work sessions. The programme helps young people to feel confident about their future.
"Working with the recruitment team at Boots has already been a great experience. Although there is a lot to learn, the team around me has been very supportive and is always happy to answer my questions. The placement has given me the opportunity to develop my skills in administration in the context of a supportive team. I’m hoping that this scheme will allow me to understand my strengths and ambitions as I gain more insight into the working world." - Joseph, Kickstart Participant
Million Makers:
Each year, a number of our graduate team members take part in an annual challenge organised by The Prince’s Trust called ‘Million Makers’.
The aim of the challenge is to transform their initial seed funding investment into as much money as possible for The Prince’s Trust, to enable them to continue supporting young people. Over the years, we have seen innovative fundraising ideas including silent auctions, quizzes, plus many more.
Our first-ever team were runners-up for ‘New Kid on the Block’, awarded by The Prince's Trust, and were the overall winner for the central region finals. The team raised £25,000 through a variety of fundraising activities, including the walking the Three Peaks and quiz nights.
In 2020, the Boots team received a special mention at the Million Makers final for going above and beyond. The team smashed their £10,000 target by raising £17,567 during a very challenging year with the COVID-19 pandemic. The team adapted to using digital fundraising ideas, including a cook-along session with a chef, and digital Zumbathon.
Early Careers at Boots
To find out more about The Prince’s Trust or for support click here .
Interested in a career at Boots? Click here to visit our careers page for more information as well as helpful resources.