A partnership has been launched between Starbucks Coffee Company UK and the youth charity The Prince’s Trust.

They are committed to giving unemployed young people the skills, confidence and work experience to have a job or secure training.

Starbucks launched a book, featuring A-list celebrities including Al Pacino, Boris Johnson, Take That and Sharon Osbourne, and young people, sharing stories of the songs which have most inspired them. All profits from the book will be donated to The Prince’s Trust.

Darcy Willson-Rymer, managing director, Starbucks UK and Ireland, said: “We believe in positively contributing to the communities we’re a part of, and we recognise the importance of evolving with the issues facing these communities. Youth unemployment is one such issue and we’re delighted to be working with The Prince’s Trust to help make a difference.

“Overall, our shared goal is to inspire our partners (employees) and customers to consider taking action for change. As an employer we look for individuals who have gained work experience before they join Starbucks so we are keen to offer this support to others and encourage other businesses to do the same.”

Martina Milburn, chief executive at The Prince’s Trust, said: “Having the support of a company like Starbucks is an exceptional opportunity for The Prince’s Trust, enabling us to help more disadvantaged young people into work, which is particularly important during the economic downturn.”

This five-year commitment, which reaffirms Starbucks focus on youth development, will sit alongside Starbucks’ renewed five-year partnership with the National Literacy Trust to invest in local communities by promoting reading. Since 2001, Starbucks and the National Literacy Trust have helped to change the lives of children for the better.