Pictured above: (l-r) Peter Holbrook and Jak Forester

One of Britain's leading social enterprise ambassadors has visited Stoke-on-Trent to celebrate the work of a local training organisation that provides real life chances for young people.

Peter Holbrook, Chief Executive of the Social Enterprise Coalition, was keen to meet some of the teenagers that PM Training helps into sustainable training and employment.

His community-led approach to regeneration and passion to promote social enterprise as a model that can transform neighbourhoods is one shared by PM Training.

Peter spent time with apprentice Jak Forester, aged 19, who was recently crowned West Midlands Apprentice of the Year and also received a tour of  Atlas Works, PM Training's workshop that recently benefited from a £2 million investment.

"PM Training is an inspirational example of how social enterprises can change lives and operate as a well-run business," said Peter.

"The young people here have clearly come such a long way in their skills and confidence because of the training they receive. The money the company makes then provides further community benefits through a charitable trust."

He added: "PM Training shows the great benefits social enterprise can bring to people, to businesses and to the wider community."

The organisation which operates as a social enterprise - a business with social objectives - is committed to the people and businesses it supports, and to further driving the successful regeneration of the area. It has already provided more than 10,000 training, job placements and permanent employment opportunities for local teenagers.

Nineteen-year-old Jak Forester was proud to share his success story with Peter during the visit.

He said: "I went to college after leaving school but didn't enjoy it and so came to PM Training - it has changed me completely.

"PM Training gives you the right attitude for work and has built my confidence. It's great to see my work benefiting the community in different places around North Staffordshire too."

PM Training, the largest social enterprise subsidiary of any UK housing association, became part of the Aspire Group in 2008.

Chief Executive Will Nixon welcomed the opportunity to highlight the benefits that the social enterprise has already brought to the region.

"We achieve the best results of any provider of our kind in helping young people get ready for work. PM Training now partners with more than 300 companies who provide apprenticeships," he said.

"This way of running a business helps to meet national and local government aims of providing skills, creating jobs and improving communities as we emerge from the recession."

The Social Enterprise Coalition is the UK's national body for social enterprise and represents a wide range of social enterprises, regional and national support networks and other related organisations.