By Simon Hunter
Former England and Manchester United footballing star Rio Ferdinand was in Belfast with the aim of providing hope to young people here.
His foundation launched a partnership with BT, supported by Active Communities Network, to help equip young people in disadvantaged areas with skills for finding jobs.
The partnership will provide mentoring and teaching skills for work and help young people from deprived communities.
With an initial focus on Belfast, there are plans to spread it across Northern Ireland.
Ferdinand says it's about future-proofing the skill sets of the prospective workforce.
BT currently offers a range of pre-employment opportunities through the BT Work Ready programme including traineeships, work placements, and skills-for- work boot camps.
The programme is designed to help 14-24 year-olds build confidence and get the essential skills and work experience they need to get a job.
More than 2000 young people have started a BT traineeship or work placement in more than 30 locations across the UK.
At this stage, more than half have gone on to secure jobs or continue with their education.
Irish rugby star Tommy Bowe is an ambassador for it.