Investing in young people is one of the most meaningful ways a community can build a brighter future. This year, that commitment took an inspiring step forward as the Rising Stars Youth Group launched a transformative initiative: providing free Level 3 Food Hygiene Training to local youth.
Aimed at empowering young people with practical skills, valuable qualifications, and real career opportunities, this program is already making a powerful impact.
Opening Doors to Opportunity
Food hygiene and safety is one of the most essential qualifications in the hospitality, food-service, and catering industry. With thousands of young people seeking part-time work, apprenticeships, or career pathways in cafés, restaurants, bakeries, and events, having a Level 3 Food Hygiene Certification gives them a clear advantage.
By offering this training completely free, Rising Stars Youth Group has eliminated financial barriers that often prevent young people from accessing professional development opportunities.
This is more than a training session — it’s a head start.
Why Level 3 Food Hygiene Matters
While Level 1 and Level 2 certifications cover the basics, Level 3 is far more advanced. It prepares individuals for supervisory roles and equips them with a deeper understanding of:
- Food safety management systems
- HACCP principles
- Maintaining hygiene standards in busy kitchens
- Proper handling, storage, and preparation of food
- Preventing contamination and foodborne illnesses
- Supervising food-handling staff
With this qualification, young people can confidently apply for roles with greater responsibility—and greater earning potential.
Empowering the Next Generation
The Rising Stars Youth Group has always focused on empowering young people with real-world skills, mentoring, and community engagement. This program is a natural extension of that mission.
By offering free Level 3 training, they are:
Building Confidence
Young participants gain a professional qualification that boosts their self-esteem and prepares them for interviews and workplace challenges.
Enhancing Employability
Food businesses actively look for certified staff. This training makes local youth immediately more attractive to employers.
Strengthening the Community
A more skilled and confident young generation contributes to a stronger, safer, and more vibrant community.
Learning in a Supportive Environment
The training sessions were delivered in an encouraging and interactive environment. With guidance from qualified trainers, participants learned through:
- Real-life demonstrations
- Practical kitchen scenarios
- Interactive discussions
- Group activities
- Assessment preparation
Every participant received personalised support, ensuring they understood the material and felt ready for the final assessment.
Celebrating Achievement
At the end of the training, each young person earned a Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate—a qualification recognised across the UK and valued by employers in hospitality, retail, food manufacturing, and catering sectors.
The pride on their faces said it all.
This achievement represents not just a certificate, but a milestone — a moment that could shape their career and future.
A Powerful Community Partnership
This initiative reflects what’s possible when youth organisations, community leaders, and dedicated volunteers come together with a shared vision: to support young people and open new doors of opportunity.
The Rising Stars Youth Group continues to demonstrate that meaningful change begins with investing in our youth — equipping them not only with skills, but with hope, ambition, and purpose.
Looking Ahead
Given the success of this program, the Youth Group aims to expand similar opportunities in the coming months, including:
- Barista training
- First aid certification
- Customer service workshops
- CV building and interview skills sessions
By creating pathways to employment, Rising Stars Youth Group is helping build a future where every young person feels capable, confident, and connected to their community.