Prince Charles checked up on his own charity while on a recent visit to Scotland

Prince Charles popped in to check up on a group of participants on the Prince’s Trust’s Get into Cars Mechanics programme when he was in Glasgow recently.

His Royal Highness, the Duke of Rothesay, visited Arnold Clark’s Glasgow training centre on Wednesday.

Greeted by new participants and recent graduates from the programme, Charles met young people who have received support from his youth charity to turn their lives around.

They demonstrated a range of skills – from car maintenance, electrical engineering, tyre fitting – which help young people to build their confidence, learn practical skills and take their first steps towards a job or training opportunity.

Nicole, 19, from Bishopbriggs, who met Charles, is one of the first women to graduate from the Get into Car Mechanics programme. She is urging more young women to get into science, technology, maths and engineering (STEM) sectors to challenge and change the current gender imbalance.

“I originally studied hair and beauty because it seemed like that was the only option for girls,” she said.

“I have always been passionate about cars and jumped at the chance to take part in The Prince’s Trust Get into Car Mechanics course with Arnold Clark.

“The best part about the course was proving that to myself and everybody who doubted me – girls can do it too, it is not just a male dominated environment.

“It couldn’t have come at a better time. The Prince’s Trust has been amazing. I wake up before my alarm, all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed for the job. It doesn’t even feel like work.”

Allan Watt, director, Prince’s Trust Scotland said: “We are thrilled to have had His Royal Highness here to meet some of the trust’s young people, who have faced huge barriers and worked hard to turn their lives around.

“One in four young people in Glasgow are struggling to find a job, so that means working with employers like Arnold Clark is more important than ever to help tackle youth unemployment.”

Eddie Hawthorne, managing director of Arnold Clark added: “We are delighted that HRH Prince Charles chose to visit our training centre in Glasgow and see first-hand what our students and apprentices have learned through their hard work and continued effort.”

The Prince’s Trust Scotland and Arnold Clark have been working together since 2008.

The programme has been a huge success, with 80% of young people being employed at an Arnold Clark dealership.