Kate Wilson has been involved ProjX as a volunteer since 2019. She delivers the marketing and presentation skills section.

“I have seen some amazing transformations as these young people tackle real world challenges. It is very rewarding to see their eyes light up when they are involved in a project that could transform their community, such as a town regeneration challenge. When they can imagine their ideas happening in the real world it helps them feel engaged in their future.

“Many of these young people have not worked together before so it is not their usual peer group. You see skills developing – team working, collaboration, delegation, leadership and dispute resolution. These are essential business skills

“If there is a light bulb moment, it is when some young people go from not being engaged – because ProjX is a challenging project – to realising that they have a part to play in order for the team to succeed. As their teammates start to really commit to work, those who perhaps were not engaged have to step up to be an active part of the team or let others down. The transformation I have seen from start to end of the week has been so rewarding.

ProjX means young people are getting their voices heard, and gives them a glimpse of what they can do, what they can be.

“One of the ways in which I benefit from involvement in ProjX is that it gives me the opportunity to interact with young people and challenges me to keep up to date with what matters to them,  so that I can learn from them and adapt what I am delivering through my own business.

“Because of the pandemic these young people have had the toughest couple of years and the opportunity to engage with employers is invaluable. Even through the worst of the pandemic it was important that ProjX continued to give these young people some real life experience, and CforLP has adapted brilliantly to deliver it.”