A Darlington shopping centre’s youth programme is helping young people into work through a partnership that has already led to paid jobs.
Cornmill Shopping Centre’s Future Voices initiative gives people aged 14 and over a voice and access to opportunities that could shape their futures.
The scheme teamed up with TWS Security Services, which gave participants hands-on experience at Croft Circuit during a major event.
Zoe France, centre manager at the Cornmill Shopping Centre, said: "One of the key aims of Future Voices is to help young people recognise their potential and connect them with opportunities they may never have considered.
"Seeing participants progress from attending our sessions to securing paid work opportunities is exactly the kind of outcome we hoped to achieve.
"The support from Terry, Liz and the team at TWS Security Services has been absolutely incredible.
"They didn't simply offer the young people a day's work; they welcomed them, invested in them and helped them develop new skills, confidence and aspirations for the future."
On Sunday, August 23, 2026, security manager Wayne Alp took Future Voices members to Croft Circuit to learn about event management, security and site maintenance.
The experience led TWS Security Services to offer six participants paid work at the British Touring Car Championship event at Croft Circuit on Sunday, September 6.
During the event, the young people helped manage the event, attended a safety briefing and helped clean up.
TWS Security Services provided minibus transport to and from the venue, as well as lunch and refreshments.
Read more
Grant equips hub near Darlington for young adults with learning difficulties
Seaham youth project secures funding boost for second year
County Durham students win Ducati challenge to create a ‘villain’s machine’
Several Future Voices members now want careers in security and events after the experience.
Future Voices drop-in sessions return to Cornmill Shopping Centre during the October half-term, offering mentoring and help finding work.
Centre manager Zoe France and security manager Wayne Alp created the scheme to give people aged 14 and over a safe space to be heard and access opportunities that could shape their futures.
Share