Chennai: At an event hosted by Dr Sutapa Choudhury, The British Deputy High Commissioner in Chennai, Pratheep was celebrated for his achievements following participation in King’s Trust International’s ‘Get Hired’ programme. The King’s Trust Awards celebrate young people who have participated in King’s Trust programmes around the world.
Founded by His Majesty King Charles III, the former Prince of Wales, The King’s Trust International, supports young people across the world through employment, education and enterprise programmes. Last year, the charity celebrated ten years since it expanded its work globally, bringing its programmes to over 130,000 young people including more than 30,000 young people in India, particularly women and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Pratheep joined KTI’s Get Hired programme, delivered by Magic Bus India Foundation, at a particularly challenging point in his life. The programme supports economically disadvantaged graduates to develop the confidence, workplace behaviours and practical skills needed to move into employment. Participants build communication, problem-solving, decision-making, workplace-readiness, and digital-literacy skills, supported by post-placement mentoring. Over the past two years, 85% of participants have secured employment within three months of completing the programme.
Following the programme, Pratheep secured a position as an Assistant Manager with a leading bank. Stable employment now enables him to support his household, care for his mother and enjoy a level of financial security that once seemed beyond reach. Reflecting on this milestone, Pratheep said:
“That offer letter was not just a job. It felt like my life finally exhaled after years of holding its breath.”
On his award win, Jo Parsons, Interim CEO of King’s Trust International, said, “We are proud to celebrate Pratheep’s achievements, which highlight his resilience, determination and personal growth. His journey serves as a powerful example to others in the community who may be facing similar challenges. We are equally grateful for partnerships with organisations like Magic Bus, whose invaluable work helps provide young people with the support they need to reach their full potential.”
Jayant Rastogi, Global CEO, Magic Bus India Foundation, said, “Pratheep’s recognition is a testament to what can be achieved when young people have access to the right opportunities, skills and support to shape their futures. We are immensely proud of his achievement and grateful to King’s Trust International for its continued commitment to creating pathways to sustainable livelihoods. At Magic Bus India Foundation, we work with like-minded partners to equip youth with critical life and employability skills that build confidence, strengthen agency and help them navigate the world of work.”
Felicitating the winner, the Deputy High Commissioner Sutapa Choudhury noted: “We share a belief that investing in young people is one of the most effective ways to drive inclusive growth, strengthen communities and unlock opportunity.”
