Pubs and brewing group Greene King has formed a partnership with the Prince’s Trust to help unemployed young people find work.

The “Get into Hospitality” programme will offer 150 of disadvantaged 16- to 25-year-olds an opportunity to develop skills and achieve qualifications, and then support them into employment,

Subject to successfully completing the three week programme, Greene King aims to place as many course participants as possible on its award-winning apprenticeship scheme.

Bury St Edmunds-based Greene King, which is the UK’s largest operator of directly managed pubs, will run programmes at 10 locations around the country over the next year, with the first having started in London this week.

Rooney Anand, Greene King’s chief executive, said: “We know that many young people find it difficult to get their first job, particularly in disadvantaged areas, and we believe pubs can help them get on to the career ladder.

“As a leader in the hospitality industry, we want to support young people into work by offering opportunities to learn a skill and a trade and help them start their career journeys.

“Our programme with the Prince’s Trust, which does such fantastic work, will enable us to do this.”

Martina Milburn, chief executive at the Prince’s Trust, which was set up by HRH the Prince of Wales to help disadvantaged young people, added: “We are immensely grateful to Greene King for coming on board as a significant new Prince’s Trust partner and committing to offering 150 disadvantaged young people an opportunity to gain vital skills in the workplace.

“Together we will help change young people’s lives.”

While on the programme, students will also receive help with CV writing and interview techniques, as well as career support and guidance from Greene King “buddies”. Each “buddy” is an experienced Greene King team member and will mentor the youngsters, offering invaluable support throughout the programme.

The first step of the free course is a recruitment day for prospective participants, to be held by the Prince’s Trust in each area. Candidates will then meet representatives from both organisations and find out more about the programme.

From there, students will be chosen to attend the programme, which is split between classroom-based learning and a practical placement at a nearby Greene King pub.