0:00:02 > 0:00:05From rubbish and recycling
0:00:05 > 0:00:07to potholes and pavements.
0:00:07 > 0:00:09Another street down. Another street to go.
0:00:09 > 0:00:12Educating our children.
0:00:12 > 0:00:13Fantastic!
0:00:13 > 0:00:16And caring for the elderly.
0:00:16 > 0:00:20It does make a difference when you see what can be achieved.
0:00:20 > 0:00:25We rely on our local councils to provide a huge range of services.
0:00:26 > 0:00:28You may kiss the bride.
0:00:30 > 0:00:32In this series, we follow front-line staff
0:00:32 > 0:00:36working for Wigan Council in Greater Manchester.
0:00:36 > 0:00:38Sorry!
0:00:38 > 0:00:41Like council officers across the country, they are protecting us
0:00:41 > 0:00:44- from hidden dangers...- Oh, dear.
0:00:44 > 0:00:47..stepping in when there's an emergency...
0:00:47 > 0:00:49You never know what you're turning up to.
0:00:49 > 0:00:52- ..and responding to residents... - Thanks for everything.
0:00:52 > 0:00:55- A good job done. - ..when they call the council.
0:01:05 > 0:01:07Coming up,
0:01:07 > 0:01:10the borough's young people chase their career dreams with some
0:01:10 > 0:01:11help from the council.
0:01:11 > 0:01:15If I am successful, then I'm going to grab it with both hands
0:01:15 > 0:01:16and run with it.
0:01:16 > 0:01:19From council estate to country estate -
0:01:19 > 0:01:23the Wigan gardeners going for gold at the Tatton Park Flower Show.
0:01:23 > 0:01:26If we were lucky enough to win a gold, massive.
0:01:26 > 0:01:29It would be... You can't explain it.
0:01:29 > 0:01:31And the writing's on the wall for vandals,
0:01:31 > 0:01:35with the council workers cleaning up town, one tag at a time.
0:01:35 > 0:01:37People, they want to see the pretty sights,
0:01:37 > 0:01:40and they don't want to see buildings daubed in graffiti.
0:01:52 > 0:01:56The scale and range of services provided by our local authorities
0:01:56 > 0:02:00mean that, together, they're one of the biggest employers in the UK.
0:02:00 > 0:02:03Over two million people in the UK work for a local council.
0:02:06 > 0:02:09Job opportunities are especially important for young people,
0:02:09 > 0:02:12who are nearly three times more likely to be out of work than
0:02:12 > 0:02:14the rest of the population.
0:02:14 > 0:02:16In the first half of 2015,
0:02:16 > 0:02:21almost three quarters of a million young people were unemployed.
0:02:21 > 0:02:22And it affects us all.
0:02:22 > 0:02:27It's estimated that long-term youth unemployment costs the UK taxpayer
0:02:27 > 0:02:30around £20 million a week.
0:02:31 > 0:02:35To help youngsters move off benefits and into full-time work,
0:02:35 > 0:02:39Wigan Council in Greater Manchester runs a very special scheme.
0:02:39 > 0:02:42This is your future and Wigan Council want to support you
0:02:42 > 0:02:43as much as possible.
0:02:43 > 0:02:46Confident Futures offers six weeks of training
0:02:46 > 0:02:50and work placements to around 30 young people each year.
0:02:50 > 0:02:52Those successfully completing the trial
0:02:52 > 0:02:56win 12 months of paid work experience with the council.
0:02:56 > 0:02:59We support vulnerable young people throughout Wigan.
0:02:59 > 0:03:02That can be children in care and care leavers,
0:03:02 > 0:03:04teenage parents,
0:03:04 > 0:03:08young people who have being involved in crime
0:03:08 > 0:03:10and work with the youth offending team,
0:03:10 > 0:03:13homeless young people,
0:03:13 > 0:03:17young people with emotional problems or mental health.
0:03:20 > 0:03:21Morning, Sue.
0:03:22 > 0:03:26Programme coordinator Jan Watkin has seen Confident Futures help
0:03:26 > 0:03:33nearly 75 vulnerable young people since the scheme started in 2013.
0:03:33 > 0:03:37Each youngster is tried out in a range of roles to find one
0:03:37 > 0:03:39that best suits their skills.
0:03:39 > 0:03:43The matching process is really important.
0:03:43 > 0:03:48If we don't get it right, it can impact on the young person.
0:03:48 > 0:03:5223-year-old Jack is one of Jan's latest intake.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55I always wanted to get up in the morning and go out and do something.
0:03:55 > 0:03:58I've been brought up to look for a job and find one.
0:03:58 > 0:04:01Like many youngsters on the Confident Futures scheme,
0:04:01 > 0:04:04Jack had a shaky start in life.
0:04:04 > 0:04:06I was ten when my dad passed away.
0:04:06 > 0:04:08It was just hard because, obviously,
0:04:08 > 0:04:11my mum had lost her husband. Me and our Danny had lost our dad.
0:04:11 > 0:04:13You learn to grieve.
0:04:13 > 0:04:16And, you know, you learn to deal with your problems in your own way.
0:04:16 > 0:04:20A year of paid work experience at the end of the scheme
0:04:20 > 0:04:22could help Jack get to where he wants to be.
0:04:22 > 0:04:26But if he's going to swap pulling pints for a career with the council,
0:04:26 > 0:04:28he'll have to prove he's serious.
0:04:28 > 0:04:30You're doing a grand job with that.
0:04:30 > 0:04:32A lot of young people, they just want a job.
0:04:32 > 0:04:34They want to earn money.
0:04:34 > 0:04:38But we stipulate that we want them to have a career where they'll
0:04:38 > 0:04:39have to do some training
0:04:39 > 0:04:43and gain a qualification or a trade.
0:04:43 > 0:04:47Jack is in the sixth and final week of the Confident Futures
0:04:47 > 0:04:50programme and is spending a day in fleet maintenance.
0:04:50 > 0:04:54Wigan Council operates over 500 vehicles, as well as countless
0:04:54 > 0:04:59mechanical tools, and they all have to be kept in safe working order.
0:04:59 > 0:05:02It's a big opportunity for Jack to show what he can do.
0:05:02 > 0:05:05I want to be a fully-qualified mechanic for the council
0:05:05 > 0:05:06because I love taking things apart,
0:05:06 > 0:05:10finding out the remedies, how to solve a problem.
0:05:10 > 0:05:14And I think working for the council would be one of the best jobs
0:05:14 > 0:05:16going, really.
0:05:16 > 0:05:20Jack already has a Level 3 Mechanics NVQ
0:05:20 > 0:05:23but he still has to prove himself and start at the bottom,
0:05:23 > 0:05:24on the lawnmowers.
0:05:24 > 0:05:27It's just going all right. I'm enjoying it today.
0:05:27 > 0:05:30Obviously, we've got to clean the lawnmowers with the steamers
0:05:30 > 0:05:32so they're clean
0:05:32 > 0:05:34and then we can take them into the workshop and fix them
0:05:34 > 0:05:38and find out what's wrong with them and fix them.
0:05:38 > 0:05:42Today, Jack is working with another Confident Futures trainee,
0:05:42 > 0:05:44Aaron, an old mate from school.
0:05:44 > 0:05:47Yeah, there's a bit of rivalry.
0:05:47 > 0:05:51It's who can finish the job the best and fastest, really.
0:05:51 > 0:05:52It's going to be me!
0:05:52 > 0:05:55I think I'm quicker than Aaron, to be honest.
0:05:55 > 0:05:57I've got that bit more experience than him
0:05:57 > 0:06:00but, you know, within time, I think there'll be a nice
0:06:00 > 0:06:05rivalry between each other to see who's the better mechanic.
0:06:05 > 0:06:06It's all finished now.
0:06:06 > 0:06:09Get it fit, take it into the workshop.
0:06:09 > 0:06:11I was definitely quicker than you!
0:06:13 > 0:06:16Lawnmowers clean, but the lads can't afford to relax.
0:06:16 > 0:06:19There's a paid placement on offer in this department.
0:06:19 > 0:06:22Fleet manager Keith Simpson wants to see how they do on something
0:06:22 > 0:06:24a little more challenging.
0:06:25 > 0:06:28Right, what we're going to do next, guys, is we're going to
0:06:28 > 0:06:29get this transit connect on.
0:06:29 > 0:06:31- It needs a service today.- Yeah.
0:06:31 > 0:06:35OK, so, what I'd like you to do is get it on the ramp.
0:06:35 > 0:06:36Take the wheels off either side.
0:06:36 > 0:06:38You do one side, Aaron.
0:06:38 > 0:06:39You do the other side.
0:06:39 > 0:06:42Vehicles in this workshop are needed all over the borough,
0:06:42 > 0:06:45and there's pressure to get them back out on the road
0:06:45 > 0:06:46as soon as possible.
0:06:51 > 0:06:52Right, lads.
0:06:52 > 0:06:55If you could check the front and rear brakes and just give me
0:06:55 > 0:06:57a report on the condition of those?
0:06:57 > 0:07:00And then we'll take it from there.
0:07:00 > 0:07:04Poor workmanship here could mean breakdowns, or even accidents.
0:07:04 > 0:07:07Jack and Aaron have got to get this job right.
0:07:07 > 0:07:10Everything's fine there.
0:07:10 > 0:07:13And Keith is watching their every move.
0:07:13 > 0:07:15I like doing things like this.
0:07:15 > 0:07:17It saves people's lives.
0:07:17 > 0:07:20If you didn't have no brakes, people would be crashing all the time.
0:07:20 > 0:07:22While working on the brakes,
0:07:22 > 0:07:26Jack and Aaron spot a potentially serious problem and call Keith over.
0:07:26 > 0:07:28Just the brakes.
0:07:28 > 0:07:30I think that gate has split.
0:07:30 > 0:07:31A leaking CV joint boot.
0:07:32 > 0:07:34Very good spot.
0:07:36 > 0:07:37Potential disaster averted.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41Well, you can just see the way the lads are going about the job here,
0:07:41 > 0:07:43with the enthusiasm that they've got.
0:07:43 > 0:07:47There's a long way to go yet but if they show this kind of commitment
0:07:47 > 0:07:50then hopefully they'll have a great future with Wigan Council.
0:07:52 > 0:07:55The lads go through their final checks on the van.
0:07:56 > 0:07:58That's your sidelights.
0:07:58 > 0:08:00Then you've got your main beam.
0:08:01 > 0:08:03Jack and Aaron's friendly rivalry is forgotten,
0:08:03 > 0:08:06and they work together to get the job done.
0:08:06 > 0:08:09It's like a big team, isn't it? Everyone mucks in together.
0:08:09 > 0:08:12Always helping each other out, if you're stuck, or you got a problem.
0:08:12 > 0:08:13Is your foot on the brake?
0:08:17 > 0:08:18Strange, that.
0:08:18 > 0:08:21And speaking of problems, Jack's spotted another one.
0:08:21 > 0:08:24This time with the van's rear light.
0:08:24 > 0:08:27That's only a single filament bulb.
0:08:27 > 0:08:29That one's a two filament bulb.
0:08:29 > 0:08:33- Yeah. So, that might be causing the problem on that lamp.- Yeah.
0:08:33 > 0:08:35Because it's only got the single filament.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38- You've got another defitment to go on your sheet, haven't you?- Smashing.
0:08:38 > 0:08:42It's been a successful shift for the lads.
0:08:42 > 0:08:43Lads, you've done really, really well.
0:08:43 > 0:08:47I can see the way you've gone about the inspection this morning,
0:08:47 > 0:08:48that you both know what you're doing.
0:08:48 > 0:08:51That's something we can certainly build on, so, well done.
0:08:51 > 0:08:52Cheers, thanks very much.
0:08:52 > 0:08:54Jack has impressed Keith today.
0:08:54 > 0:08:59But in the morning he faces a final test that will decide his fate.
0:08:59 > 0:09:02A formal interview with the Confident Futures board.
0:09:02 > 0:09:03When I have my interview,
0:09:03 > 0:09:06if I get the welcome aboard,
0:09:06 > 0:09:09that's my future started really, isn't it?
0:09:13 > 0:09:14Coming up...
0:09:14 > 0:09:17Jack gets grilled by his potential employers...
0:09:17 > 0:09:19Jack, tell me why we should take you on as one of the
0:09:19 > 0:09:21Confident Futures apprentices?
0:09:23 > 0:09:26..and two more Confident Futures trainees get to grips with work
0:09:26 > 0:09:28at Wigan Council.
0:09:28 > 0:09:31Hopefully I'll get a good feeling about CCTV.
0:09:33 > 0:09:36Will any of these hopefuls achieve their dream?
0:09:37 > 0:09:39I'm nervous now.
0:09:39 > 0:09:40Sweating!
0:09:51 > 0:09:55In the UK, it's estimated over four million people
0:09:55 > 0:09:57are living in council-owned accommodation.
0:09:57 > 0:10:02The Metropolitan Borough of Wigan has over 22,000 residential
0:10:02 > 0:10:04council properties.
0:10:04 > 0:10:07Dave Bainbridge is group manager for the council house arm of
0:10:07 > 0:10:08Wigan Council.
0:10:08 > 0:10:11But his job's not all about bricks and mortar.
0:10:11 > 0:10:15Dave knows what it takes to turn a council house into a home.
0:10:15 > 0:10:20When tenants and residents look after an area and care for an area,
0:10:20 > 0:10:23then other people moving into that area or visiting that area
0:10:23 > 0:10:27are not only impressed with it but want to be part of that.
0:10:28 > 0:10:32Sussex Close, in Hindley, is on Dave's patch.
0:10:32 > 0:10:35This little corner of Wigan shows exactly what can be achieved
0:10:35 > 0:10:39when the community come together to improve their environment.
0:10:39 > 0:10:43Every single one of these flowers was planted by local volunteers,
0:10:43 > 0:10:45led by Wilf Ford.
0:10:45 > 0:10:49- Well, this area used to be... It was derelict, wasn't it?- Yes.- It was.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52There used to be a big tree here, conker tree.
0:10:52 > 0:10:54That was poisoned.
0:10:54 > 0:10:57Then there used to be another big tree over there, which was...
0:10:57 > 0:10:59Looked like the Leaning Tower Of Pisa!
0:10:59 > 0:11:00It was a mess.
0:11:00 > 0:11:02So, we decided to do something about it.
0:11:02 > 0:11:05Each one of us has our individual jobs.
0:11:05 > 0:11:08Once it's set up, it's easier to maintain.
0:11:08 > 0:11:11Sussex Close is a great example of where a few residents
0:11:11 > 0:11:14have come together to genuinely make a vast improvement
0:11:14 > 0:11:15to the area that they live.
0:11:15 > 0:11:19And that's what I, and my team, try to do with the community.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26Wilf's project grew from the green shoots of an idea,
0:11:26 > 0:11:28into a blooming marvellous garden,
0:11:28 > 0:11:31with the help of a grant from Wigan Council.
0:11:31 > 0:11:33We got £1,000.
0:11:33 > 0:11:38So, we had to buy, obviously, a couple... A few tonnes of soil.
0:11:38 > 0:11:40It's all stemmed from there.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43Everything in this communal garden is lovely now.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46But Wilf has plans for his green-fingered team
0:11:46 > 0:11:48and those plans are growing -
0:11:48 > 0:11:50big.
0:11:51 > 0:11:56The annual Royal Horticultural Society Flower Show at Tatton Park.
0:11:56 > 0:11:59A celebration of the very best of British gardening.
0:12:00 > 0:12:04Nearly 500 exhibitors compete to create the most spectacular flower
0:12:04 > 0:12:10displays and this year one of the entries will be from Sussex Close.
0:12:10 > 0:12:13The Close entered the Blooming Bed category last year
0:12:13 > 0:12:15and are hoping to improve on their award.
0:12:15 > 0:12:17We won silver.
0:12:17 > 0:12:20Which we were surprised because we've never done it before.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23We're the only communal garden from social housing
0:12:23 > 0:12:25from Wigan and Leigh Homes,
0:12:25 > 0:12:27who's appeared there for two years on the trot.
0:12:27 > 0:12:29This year, Wilf is going for gold.
0:12:29 > 0:12:31Or at least silver-gilt.
0:12:31 > 0:12:35And has come up with a theme that he hopes will wow the Tatton judges.
0:12:35 > 0:12:37The Road To Wigan Pier.
0:12:37 > 0:12:39These represent the canal
0:12:39 > 0:12:42cos we've got canals in Wigan and Leigh.
0:12:42 > 0:12:45Then we've got the red and white colours for Wigan and Leigh rugby.
0:12:45 > 0:12:49So, those will represent players in the grass.
0:12:49 > 0:12:53That's going to be coal because we're having a slag heap on it.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55A pit head.
0:12:55 > 0:12:57We've got the barge, which will be...
0:12:57 > 0:13:01These will be planted in the barge, representing coal with Wigan Pier.
0:13:01 > 0:13:06Wigan's proud sporting history and gritty industrial heritage
0:13:06 > 0:13:07rendered in flowers.
0:13:07 > 0:13:10It's a big ask for the team from Sussex Close
0:13:10 > 0:13:12but they won't be on their own.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15They'll have a little help from Dave from Wigan Council.
0:13:17 > 0:13:21What sort of job's this? Supposed to be management, me!
0:13:21 > 0:13:23You know, it's a bit of role reversal today.
0:13:23 > 0:13:25Where I'm normally in charge of all these people,
0:13:25 > 0:13:28today Wilf's in charge and I have to take orders.
0:13:28 > 0:13:30So, that means I have to bite my tongue a little bit.
0:13:30 > 0:13:32Sometimes to the point of it bleeding!
0:13:32 > 0:13:34- I might trip going down the path. - I know!
0:13:34 > 0:13:36That's what we're frightened of with you.
0:13:36 > 0:13:38After 12 months of preparation,
0:13:38 > 0:13:41Wilf and the team have over 3,000 plants
0:13:41 > 0:13:43that will make up their Tatton entry.
0:13:43 > 0:13:47And they've all got to be loaded into the back of Dave's van.
0:13:47 > 0:13:49I need all the tools on the back.
0:13:49 > 0:13:51Yeah, yeah, I know.
0:13:52 > 0:13:54A lot we won't use.
0:13:54 > 0:13:55They won't be good enough.
0:13:55 > 0:13:58But what we do with those we don't use is bring them back
0:13:58 > 0:14:00and give them away in the community.
0:14:00 > 0:14:02So, everybody's got a bit of Tatton.
0:14:02 > 0:14:05Like the Wigan - red and white.
0:14:05 > 0:14:07Red and white begonias.
0:14:08 > 0:14:11We're representing all the borough.
0:14:11 > 0:14:15And a lot of people from the borough will be coming to have a look at it.
0:14:15 > 0:14:18So, it's got to be right and it's got to be right for the judges.
0:14:18 > 0:14:20George Formby!
0:14:20 > 0:14:23# I'm leaning on a lamppost at the corner of the street... #
0:14:25 > 0:14:28With the van full to bursting with flowers,
0:14:28 > 0:14:30there's one final prop to squeeze on.
0:14:30 > 0:14:33Another piece of Wigan industrial pride.
0:14:34 > 0:14:36This has been worked on for a long time.
0:14:36 > 0:14:38Oh, it's got the gauge on as well!
0:14:38 > 0:14:40I didn't know that.
0:14:41 > 0:14:43- Wilf, that's beautiful.- Brilliant.
0:14:44 > 0:14:473,000 plants, a welded iron pithead,
0:14:47 > 0:14:51plus the hopes and dreams of the dedicated Sussex Close team.
0:14:51 > 0:14:54All are finally on their way to try and win gold
0:14:54 > 0:14:56at the Tatton Park Flower Show.
0:14:56 > 0:15:00I think this is going to be the highlight of everything we've done.
0:15:02 > 0:15:03We hope so, anyway.
0:15:07 > 0:15:09Still to come...
0:15:09 > 0:15:12The Road To Wigan Pier gets rocking.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15The pithead is too low.
0:15:16 > 0:15:20Can Wilf turn 3,000 flowers into an award-winning display?
0:15:20 > 0:15:21That's no good.
0:15:29 > 0:15:33It's early morning at Wigan Council's super depot.
0:15:33 > 0:15:36Brian Aspinall and Richard "Tricky" Walton are preparing
0:15:36 > 0:15:39for their first mission of the day.
0:15:39 > 0:15:41Let's see what today brings.
0:15:43 > 0:15:45These men face a never-ending job,
0:15:45 > 0:15:49battling a scourge that costs the council tens of thousands of pounds every year.
0:15:49 > 0:15:51We've got some graffiti.
0:15:51 > 0:15:53So we'll do the Tyldesley one first.
0:15:53 > 0:15:57Then we'll sort these out later because that's the priority one.
0:15:57 > 0:15:59Brian is a council graffiti remover,
0:15:59 > 0:16:02otherwise known as a neighbourhood team operative.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05After a number of calls to the council,
0:16:05 > 0:16:09this morning Brian is revisiting a site that's become all too familiar.
0:16:09 > 0:16:12Two scoundrels, lads, whatever,
0:16:12 > 0:16:16went on a rampage with a tin of white spray.
0:16:16 > 0:16:20And daubed 18 cars in the area.
0:16:20 > 0:16:23A few streets of it around the area,
0:16:23 > 0:16:26taggings, offensive graffiti.
0:16:26 > 0:16:30And I've been busy for a week now trying to get rid of it.
0:16:30 > 0:16:33The two lads who've done it don't realise how much money
0:16:33 > 0:16:37it's costing for their, probably, one hour of madness.
0:16:37 > 0:16:40And everybody's got to pay for it.
0:16:40 > 0:16:41Paying for their idiocy.
0:16:42 > 0:16:47On average, graffiti costs the UK taxpayer £1 billion a year.
0:16:47 > 0:16:51And the most serious cases can carry custodial sentences
0:16:51 > 0:16:53of up to ten years.
0:16:53 > 0:16:57Get a shot from that, Trick, from the angle there, like that.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00The culprits responsible for this graffiti have been traced.
0:17:00 > 0:17:03Tricky takes photos of their handiwork as evidence.
0:17:04 > 0:17:07There is no Banksys here.
0:17:07 > 0:17:08You know, no way.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11These vandals face restorative justice
0:17:11 > 0:17:14and might have to clean up some of their own graffiti.
0:17:14 > 0:17:16For now, though, it's Brian and Tricky
0:17:16 > 0:17:18who have to sort out the mess.
0:17:18 > 0:17:19Here is the magic stuff.
0:17:19 > 0:17:23This is a gel, it is a graffiti removal gel.
0:17:23 > 0:17:26It's friendly, pretty safe, but it does the job.
0:17:31 > 0:17:34Like, these people who live here, they've done nothing wrong.
0:17:34 > 0:17:36They have just woke up one morning
0:17:36 > 0:17:40and the place has been daubed in graffiti. Not very nice.
0:17:40 > 0:17:44Now, that is working now. That's earning, that's earning.
0:17:44 > 0:17:46Having applied the chemical gel,
0:17:46 > 0:17:50the team add elbow grease to remove the graffitied initials, or tags.
0:17:50 > 0:17:53This is just one of the 60 calls made to the council
0:17:53 > 0:17:55about clean-ups every week.
0:17:55 > 0:17:58Brian is swimming against the tide of tags.
0:17:59 > 0:18:01Get Big Bertha out.
0:18:02 > 0:18:04Just release that there.
0:18:04 > 0:18:09Even with Big Bertha, removing the graffiti has been a tough job.
0:18:09 > 0:18:12Brian is keen the young offenders responsible
0:18:12 > 0:18:13learn just how tough it is.
0:18:15 > 0:18:18The two lads who have been caught doing anything,
0:18:18 > 0:18:21I think I will leave this for them
0:18:21 > 0:18:24and that bit they will find very hard
0:18:24 > 0:18:27because they won't have the power wash, where I have.
0:18:27 > 0:18:30Someone has got to show how much time it takes to get off.
0:18:30 > 0:18:33Hopefully they will learn from that experience.
0:18:33 > 0:18:37Getting convicted offenders to clean up and face up to the mess
0:18:37 > 0:18:41they have made is a big part of breaking the cycle of vandalism.
0:18:41 > 0:18:43But there is one offender who has been blighting
0:18:43 > 0:18:46Brian's walls for longer than most.
0:18:46 > 0:18:51Over the last 18 months I've been chasing this serial...
0:18:51 > 0:18:52I'll call him a serial tagger.
0:18:54 > 0:18:57His name has been appearing and I must have done about,
0:18:57 > 0:19:00up to now, about 80 tags of him.
0:19:00 > 0:19:03At the minute, he has cost a lot of money,
0:19:03 > 0:19:07so I am going to get rid of some more of his work.
0:19:07 > 0:19:10The sooner we nip this one in the bud, the better.
0:19:14 > 0:19:16Wigan Council pass on information to police
0:19:16 > 0:19:19to help catch graffiti offenders.
0:19:19 > 0:19:22Brian wants to wipe Wigan clean of this one.
0:19:22 > 0:19:26This guy here, he's really made our work a lot harder.
0:19:26 > 0:19:30There's one here, he's here...
0:19:30 > 0:19:32I'm just going to check round here.
0:19:34 > 0:19:35There's another one here.
0:19:35 > 0:19:37People are on their holidays now.
0:19:37 > 0:19:39You've got a lot of barges coming down here.
0:19:39 > 0:19:41They want to see pretty scenes, pretty sights.
0:19:41 > 0:19:43They don't want to see buildings daubed in graffiti.
0:19:47 > 0:19:50Even though I've got these here...
0:19:50 > 0:19:51There is more.
0:19:51 > 0:19:53It is, it's like cat and mouse.
0:19:55 > 0:19:59Big cat Brian is determined to catch his paint-spraying prey.
0:19:59 > 0:20:03In 2014, Wigan spent thousands on removing graffiti in the borough.
0:20:06 > 0:20:09By the time that tag is gone there, the people driving past,
0:20:09 > 0:20:11it should be a bit more pleasant for them.
0:20:14 > 0:20:18The boys make quick progress and the wall is almost back to white.
0:20:18 > 0:20:20- But there's a problem. - I'm running out of paint.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23HE IMITATES AN ALARM
0:20:23 > 0:20:25I'm scraping the barrel, now, as we might say.
0:20:26 > 0:20:29Brian ekes out the last drop of paint...
0:20:33 > 0:20:34Might just have enough.
0:20:34 > 0:20:37..and wipes out the problem on this wall.
0:20:37 > 0:20:40The finishing line is approaching.
0:20:40 > 0:20:42- Well done, we've done it.- Sorted it.
0:20:44 > 0:20:45That's that done.
0:20:45 > 0:20:48This wall is all white, but there are plenty more
0:20:48 > 0:20:53walls in Wigan and sadly plenty more people willing to deface them.
0:20:53 > 0:20:54Next job.
0:20:54 > 0:20:58In spite of this, Brian and Tricky's tag team fight on.
0:21:09 > 0:21:12With some financial help from the council, Wigan resident Wilf
0:21:12 > 0:21:16has turned a scrubby bit of ground into the pride of a neighbourhood.
0:21:16 > 0:21:20I got £1,000 and it's all stemmed from there.
0:21:20 > 0:21:23And now his green-fingered team is going for gold
0:21:23 > 0:21:24at the Tatton Park Flower Show.
0:21:24 > 0:21:28It's got to be right and it's got to be right for the judges.
0:21:33 > 0:21:389am, Tatton Park. The day before the RHS Flower Show.
0:21:38 > 0:21:41Helping Wilf and the team is Dave Bainbridge,
0:21:41 > 0:21:43the man and his van from the council.
0:21:43 > 0:21:45He has volunteered his own time
0:21:45 > 0:21:49and delivered Wilf's precious cargo of 3,000 plants to the show.
0:21:49 > 0:21:51I have had to drive even more tentatively than
0:21:51 > 0:21:54I normally do and make sure that I don't run up any steep hills
0:21:54 > 0:21:56so things roll about in the back of the van.
0:21:56 > 0:21:59So we have been OK, everything has made it intact this year.
0:21:59 > 0:22:03All in one piece apart from my nerves, which are shredded.
0:22:04 > 0:22:08On inspection this morning, Wilf has spotted a problem.
0:22:08 > 0:22:12The pithead, it's too low.
0:22:12 > 0:22:15When I put the black plants around it you won't see the wheel,
0:22:15 > 0:22:18so we are going to sink these into the ground
0:22:18 > 0:22:19and then drop the pithead into it
0:22:19 > 0:22:21so it will lift it up four or five inches.
0:22:26 > 0:22:29Levelling the pithead is taking up valuable preparation time...
0:22:31 > 0:22:34We are not saying this is going to be right.
0:22:34 > 0:22:38..even with Dave around to provide an extra pair of hands.
0:22:38 > 0:22:39Push them over.
0:22:44 > 0:22:47Success - one vertical pithead.
0:22:47 > 0:22:51But there is still the small matter of assembling 3,000 plants.
0:22:51 > 0:22:56I think we're not too bad with that one but that one is coming off.
0:22:56 > 0:22:5912 months' hard work is hanging on the next few hours.
0:22:59 > 0:23:01Even with the pressure on,
0:23:01 > 0:23:04Wilf isn't about to let his high standards slip.
0:23:05 > 0:23:07That's no good.
0:23:07 > 0:23:10It's not perfect enough. Snip them out.
0:23:10 > 0:23:13We'll be doing quite a bit as we go along.
0:23:15 > 0:23:18Wilf is the boss today, I'm just here volunteering and helping him
0:23:18 > 0:23:21to assemble this wonderful garden with other tenants
0:23:21 > 0:23:24from Wigan & Leigh Homes Estate in Hindley.
0:23:24 > 0:23:28For Dave and Wigan Council, the seed that was planted with the grant
0:23:28 > 0:23:32to the green-fingered residents of Sussex Close is blossoming.
0:23:32 > 0:23:37But will it be enough to impress the Royal Horticultural Society judges?
0:23:37 > 0:23:40It's very hard to get a gold, very hard.
0:23:40 > 0:23:43They look for everything - neatness of the plants,
0:23:43 > 0:23:46the quality of the plants - just everything about your garden.
0:23:48 > 0:23:52A little bit nervous but, to me, I don't come for the result, really.
0:23:52 > 0:23:55I come to enjoy building the garden, working with tenants.
0:23:55 > 0:23:59If you hear me screaming, you know we have won a medal.
0:23:59 > 0:24:03It doesn't matter what size of medal, it's an award.
0:24:07 > 0:24:10Still to come, flower meets power,
0:24:10 > 0:24:12and the expert judges make their decision
0:24:12 > 0:24:14at the Tatton Park Flower Show.
0:24:14 > 0:24:17Just can't wait to get the result now.
0:24:27 > 0:24:31Councils across the country run many initiatives aimed at young people
0:24:31 > 0:24:34but recent cuts are putting services under pressure,
0:24:34 > 0:24:38leaving some youngsters distanced and dissatisfied.
0:24:38 > 0:24:41I think we would appreciate the work of the councils
0:24:41 > 0:24:44if we was made aware of what they do.
0:24:44 > 0:24:49I know 17-year-old kids that would probably make better council workers
0:24:49 > 0:24:51than most council workers,
0:24:51 > 0:24:54that are probably more in touch with issues that need to be changed
0:24:54 > 0:24:57or thought about, you know what I mean?
0:24:57 > 0:24:59I think they have definitely lost touch.
0:24:59 > 0:25:01They probably are trying change their image,
0:25:01 > 0:25:05they probably are trying to get out there, talking to the communities
0:25:05 > 0:25:08but, I don't know, I think it's just one of those things that is
0:25:08 > 0:25:10so far gone now, I just don't think they are ever really going to
0:25:10 > 0:25:15get the kind of support and appreciation that they really want.
0:25:15 > 0:25:19One initiative to help young people that Wigan Council have set up
0:25:19 > 0:25:21is the Confident Futures scheme.
0:25:21 > 0:25:25It aims to help young people from troubled backgrounds find work.
0:25:25 > 0:25:26This is your future
0:25:26 > 0:25:30and Wigan Council want to support you as much as possible.
0:25:30 > 0:25:33If they successfully complete six weeks of classroom studies
0:25:33 > 0:25:35and hands-on work experience,
0:25:35 > 0:25:38they will be offered a 12-month paid placement.
0:25:38 > 0:25:40If I get there, yeah, welcome aboard -
0:25:40 > 0:25:43that is my future started, really, isn't it?
0:25:45 > 0:25:48It is 8am at Wigan Council's super depot.
0:25:48 > 0:25:51Morning. You all right?
0:25:51 > 0:25:5517-year-old Anthony, another Confident Futures trainee,
0:25:55 > 0:25:56has a big day ahead of him.
0:25:56 > 0:25:59If I was successful it would mean everything
0:25:59 > 0:26:01because obviously I have to move into a flat soon
0:26:01 > 0:26:04and I have to support myself, so it's basically my life, isn't it?
0:26:04 > 0:26:06- It's what I'm going to have to live off.- Yeah.
0:26:06 > 0:26:09So I just want to get on with it and show that I am committed.
0:26:09 > 0:26:13Anthony lives in care but when he turns 18 this support
0:26:13 > 0:26:15will end and he will have to move out.
0:26:15 > 0:26:19A 12-month paid placement would give Anthony the solid start he needs
0:26:19 > 0:26:21to live independently.
0:26:21 > 0:26:24To earn it, he has to demonstrate practical skills
0:26:24 > 0:26:27and pass a final interview.
0:26:27 > 0:26:30Especially with the children in care and care leavers, a lot of reason
0:26:30 > 0:26:33why they have been in the care system is not their fault.
0:26:33 > 0:26:35You know, it's things due to the past.
0:26:35 > 0:26:38Most of them want to progress in life
0:26:38 > 0:26:40and make something of themselves.
0:26:40 > 0:26:43Depot supervisor Cath takes Anthony out to meet
0:26:43 > 0:26:46his team for the day, one of the highways crews
0:26:46 > 0:26:48responsible for mending Wigan's roads.
0:26:48 > 0:26:51- This is Anthony. - Hello, mate. All right?
0:26:51 > 0:26:54- Nice to meet you.- That's Michael.
0:26:54 > 0:26:56You are going to look after him, aren't you, today,
0:26:56 > 0:26:59- like one of your own? - Have a good day today, yeah?
0:26:59 > 0:27:02Yeah. Oh, you'll go home tired tonight, lad.
0:27:02 > 0:27:06In 2014, Wigan Council received over 4,000 calls
0:27:06 > 0:27:09about the state of its roads.
0:27:09 > 0:27:14In response, it pledged £20 million to improve the borough's highways.
0:27:14 > 0:27:18Anthony is tarmacking today and wants to drive wagons tomorrow.
0:27:18 > 0:27:20My dream job is to be an HGV driver.
0:27:20 > 0:27:22So they'll put me through my Class B here,
0:27:22 > 0:27:24that's what I have been told,
0:27:24 > 0:27:26so fingers crossed that is what I'm going to do.
0:27:28 > 0:27:32I'm just glad I'm at the council and I've had this opportunity, really.
0:27:32 > 0:27:35Today, the highways team are on pothole duty.
0:27:35 > 0:27:38Small holes in the road can rapidly develop into something
0:27:38 > 0:27:41more dangerous and more difficult to repair,
0:27:41 > 0:27:44so today's job is an exercise in pothole prevention.
0:27:49 > 0:27:50This is the sharp end of Wigan Council's
0:27:50 > 0:27:55highway maintenance programme and it suits Anthony down to the ground.
0:27:55 > 0:27:59Obviously I want to progress and go further.
0:27:59 > 0:28:00It's my kind of job.
0:28:03 > 0:28:07He's always keen. I have only known him for two hours and he is happy,
0:28:07 > 0:28:09so he'll pass easily today.
0:28:09 > 0:28:11He's a nice lad.
0:28:11 > 0:28:15Road crew gaffer Michael is impressed with Anthony's attitude.
0:28:16 > 0:28:18And over at Wigan Town Hall,
0:28:18 > 0:28:21another Confident Futures trainee is hoping to impress.
0:28:23 > 0:28:2619-year-old Jess is in the final week of the scheme
0:28:26 > 0:28:29and today she is gaining valuable work experience at the borough's
0:28:29 > 0:28:32top-secret CCTV control centre.
0:28:32 > 0:28:34I'm feeling excited.
0:28:34 > 0:28:37It'll be a good opportunity to see what they do.
0:28:37 > 0:28:40Hopefully I will get a good feeling about CCTV.
0:28:41 > 0:28:47There are over 550 CCTV cameras in Wigan town centre alone.
0:28:47 > 0:28:51The people in this room monitor all of them all the time.
0:28:51 > 0:28:53There is a year of paid experience at stake
0:28:53 > 0:28:56and Jess has to prove she will fit in.
0:28:56 > 0:28:58Both sides will be keeping an eye on each other.
0:29:00 > 0:29:03Welcome to the fourth emergency service.
0:29:03 > 0:29:06Fire service, police service, ambulance service
0:29:06 > 0:29:09and then us, central watch. We are the fourth one.
0:29:09 > 0:29:11- Right, OK.- OK?
0:29:11 > 0:29:14Control room operative Jeff isn't exaggerating.
0:29:14 > 0:29:17This small room is the eyes and ears of Wigan.
0:29:18 > 0:29:21Every call that you take is different.
0:29:21 > 0:29:24So it could be missing person,
0:29:24 > 0:29:26a young child has gone from school, gone missing.
0:29:26 > 0:29:31Recently there was a major fire so we get that call come through here,
0:29:31 > 0:29:35so we have got to put the emergency planning process in.
0:29:35 > 0:29:37So there is a lot to learn.
0:29:37 > 0:29:42Our local authorities operate over 30,000 CCTV cameras.
0:29:42 > 0:29:45The units provide extra eyes for the emergency services
0:29:45 > 0:29:49and also take calls directly from members of the public.
0:29:49 > 0:29:51- This is Jane.- Nice to meet you.
0:29:51 > 0:29:53- You OK?- Yeah.
0:29:53 > 0:29:57Jane talks Jess through life on the closed-circuit camera coalface.
0:29:57 > 0:30:00What I am doing at the moment is I have been looking for a male
0:30:00 > 0:30:06who has just made off from a shop in Norley Hall.
0:30:08 > 0:30:11Watching over the residents of Wigan is a big responsibility
0:30:11 > 0:30:13that can take an emotional toll.
0:30:13 > 0:30:18We do a job. Sometimes you see things you don't want to see
0:30:18 > 0:30:23but we can work together, support each other and deal with it.
0:30:29 > 0:30:31Back on the highways,
0:30:31 > 0:30:35Anthony is showing boss Michael what he can do with the heavy machinery.
0:30:35 > 0:30:38He has done a very good job, yeah, for his first attempt.
0:30:39 > 0:30:43The pothole is fixed, but Wigan Council is responsible for
0:30:43 > 0:30:47nearly 700 miles of road, so there's plenty more where that came from.
0:30:47 > 0:30:51Michael knows how valuable a willing worker like Anthony could be.
0:30:51 > 0:30:55This is the first time I've had an apprentice. Very good scheme.
0:30:55 > 0:30:59Keep people out of dole, keep them all working.
0:31:00 > 0:31:04Anthony has impressed his boss on the job but, in 24 hours,
0:31:04 > 0:31:07he is swapping shovel for suit and sitting down in front
0:31:07 > 0:31:10of an interview panel who will decide his future.
0:31:13 > 0:31:18Over at the town hall, Jess's day is also at an end.
0:31:18 > 0:31:20- All the best, Jess. - All right, thank you very much.
0:31:20 > 0:31:23- Give us a ring, tell us how you get on.- I will do, thank you.
0:31:23 > 0:31:25Bye.
0:31:25 > 0:31:27I think it is brilliant. I could certainly see myself doing it.
0:31:27 > 0:31:30It would be a job that I would be excited about
0:31:30 > 0:31:32getting up in the morning.
0:31:32 > 0:31:35And, yeah, I have got a really, really positive feeling about it.
0:31:37 > 0:31:40Jess has had her eyes opened to a new opportunity
0:31:40 > 0:31:44and now has her sights set on paid work experience in CCTV.
0:31:44 > 0:31:46But first, like Anthony,
0:31:46 > 0:31:49she has to convince the interview panel that she is right for the job.
0:31:51 > 0:31:54I know the young people and I am on the interview panel.
0:31:54 > 0:31:57A couple of others who are on the interview panel might not
0:31:57 > 0:31:58really know them that well
0:31:58 > 0:32:01so they have got to sell themselves and tell
0:32:01 > 0:32:06the panel why they are more suitable than others for that position.
0:32:06 > 0:32:11For many of the young candidates, the Confident Futures panel
0:32:11 > 0:32:14will be their first-ever experience of a job interview.
0:32:14 > 0:32:17Pass your exam and we will see you in the future. All right, mate?
0:32:17 > 0:32:20- Good luck, pal. Hope it works out for you.- Pleased to meet you.
0:32:20 > 0:32:21- See you later, mate. - See you later.
0:32:21 > 0:32:23As well as discussing their work placements,
0:32:23 > 0:32:25they will be expected to look the part.
0:32:25 > 0:32:27I have never worn a suit to an interview,
0:32:27 > 0:32:31that's why I'm a bit scared. It is a bit nerve-racking, really.
0:32:31 > 0:32:34It is a big chance and they have only got one shot at it.
0:32:35 > 0:32:39This opportunity has just come at me.
0:32:39 > 0:32:44If I am successful in getting this job then I'm going to grab it
0:32:44 > 0:32:46with both hands and run with it.
0:32:48 > 0:32:52Coming up, it's time to face the final interview board.
0:32:52 > 0:32:54Hi, I'm Jack, nice to meet you.
0:32:54 > 0:32:56Hiya.
0:32:56 > 0:33:00What does the future hold for our three ambitious candidates?
0:33:00 > 0:33:01I can't stop shaking.
0:33:11 > 0:33:15A grant from Wigan Council has helped a community blossom.
0:33:15 > 0:33:19Inspired green-fingered residents are taking 3,000 plants to compete
0:33:19 > 0:33:23at one of the most prestigious flower shows in the country.
0:33:23 > 0:33:27If we was lucky enough to win a gold... Massive. It would be...
0:33:27 > 0:33:29You can't explain it.
0:33:34 > 0:33:38It's awards day at the Tatton Park Flower Show.
0:33:38 > 0:33:40Over in the blooming bed section,
0:33:40 > 0:33:4312 months' of hard work by the residents of Sussex Close
0:33:43 > 0:33:46have created this, the Road To Wigan Pier,
0:33:46 > 0:33:50complete with canal, lock,
0:33:50 > 0:33:52rugby stadium and pithead.
0:33:54 > 0:33:56Any gardener would be thrilled to have created a flowerbed
0:33:56 > 0:34:00fit for Tatton. Well, almost any gardener.
0:34:00 > 0:34:02I changed one or two plants
0:34:02 > 0:34:05but they are still within what we had put on in the first place.
0:34:05 > 0:34:08We must have had ten different plants I wasn't happy with
0:34:08 > 0:34:09in and out, in and out.
0:34:11 > 0:34:13But I think that looks the part now.
0:34:13 > 0:34:16And it is not just the flowers that perfectionist Wilf
0:34:16 > 0:34:17thinks needs attention -
0:34:17 > 0:34:21even the solid iron pithead is wilting under the pressure.
0:34:21 > 0:34:23It was even on Saturday,
0:34:23 > 0:34:26it has levelled itself up for some reason this morning.
0:34:26 > 0:34:29But it was the rugby posts what were tilted.
0:34:29 > 0:34:32Wilf has high standards because he has faced
0:34:32 > 0:34:36the judges of the Royal Horticultural Society before.
0:34:36 > 0:34:40They are looking for bad petals, bad leaves,
0:34:40 > 0:34:44the quality of the plants, the planting, what it represents.
0:34:44 > 0:34:48News of Wilf's flowery hometown tribute has spread
0:34:48 > 0:34:51and Wigan's finest turn out to lend their support.
0:34:51 > 0:34:53You've done well.
0:34:53 > 0:34:56This was one of the hardest things I have ever grown.
0:34:56 > 0:34:59First in line is Wigan's Mayor, Councillor Susan Loudon.
0:34:59 > 0:35:01I think it is absolutely wonderful what they've done.
0:35:01 > 0:35:04I mean, they have done it in all their own time.
0:35:04 > 0:35:06Wigan should be proud of what has gone on
0:35:06 > 0:35:08and proud of these volunteers.
0:35:08 > 0:35:13Wigan pride is in full bloom but, for Wilf, today is about one thing.
0:35:13 > 0:35:17I just can't wait to get a result. That's...
0:35:17 > 0:35:19Not for me, for everybody else.
0:35:21 > 0:35:24Now Wilf and his team must make way for the judges.
0:35:24 > 0:35:28It is strictly against the rules for entrants to be near the displays
0:35:28 > 0:35:30as they make their inspections.
0:35:34 > 0:35:37The judges from the Royal Horticultural Society
0:35:37 > 0:35:38do their rounds.
0:35:38 > 0:35:42There's nothing the Wiganers can do but wait.
0:35:42 > 0:35:44- Just a bit of anticipation of... - Apprehensive.
0:35:44 > 0:35:46A bit apprehensive, yes.
0:35:46 > 0:35:51The judges can award gold, silver-gilt, silver or bronze
0:35:51 > 0:35:53and they are not going to be rushed.
0:35:57 > 0:36:003,000 flowers, 12 months' work.
0:36:00 > 0:36:03The judges have made their decision.
0:36:03 > 0:36:05- This is Wilf's moment. - Fingers crossed.
0:36:13 > 0:36:16- Congratulations. - Brilliant, silver-gilt!
0:36:16 > 0:36:18- Wahey! - THEY CLAP
0:36:20 > 0:36:21That is fabulous.
0:36:23 > 0:36:25Silver-gilt is the second highest award
0:36:25 > 0:36:28Wilf and the team's garden could have won -
0:36:28 > 0:36:31official recognition of their green-fingered skills
0:36:31 > 0:36:33and determination.
0:36:33 > 0:36:37I can't believe it. I'm shaking, you know what I mean?
0:36:37 > 0:36:39Nice one.
0:36:39 > 0:36:40Oh!
0:36:41 > 0:36:43Whoo.
0:36:43 > 0:36:44It is dramatic.
0:36:45 > 0:36:48Oh, my heart's pounding.
0:36:48 > 0:36:51Oh, I'm very, very, very pleased.
0:36:51 > 0:36:56Last year we got silver. This year, silver-gilt.
0:36:56 > 0:36:58Next year we are going for gold.
0:36:58 > 0:37:02I might as well say it, we are going to come back next year.
0:37:02 > 0:37:04For Wilf and his dedicated team,
0:37:04 > 0:37:08the road from Sussex Close to Tatton Park has been long
0:37:08 > 0:37:10and the first step was a call to the council.
0:37:12 > 0:37:16There can't be many people who work in social housing who can say,
0:37:16 > 0:37:20"I've won a silver-gilt medal at a Royal Horticultural show,"
0:37:20 > 0:37:23and that for me is wonderful.
0:37:23 > 0:37:25Fabulous. Brilliant.
0:37:25 > 0:37:29- What do you think, Tracy? - Fantastic.- Sue? Alan?
0:37:29 > 0:37:31Family group hug.
0:37:34 > 0:37:35Fabulous.
0:37:43 > 0:37:44Over the past six weeks,
0:37:44 > 0:37:4814 youngsters have been gaining work experience and training
0:37:48 > 0:37:52at Wigan Council as part of the Confident Futures scheme.
0:37:52 > 0:37:55This opportunity has just come at me.
0:37:55 > 0:37:58But with the trial period coming to an end,
0:37:58 > 0:38:01the candidates have one last chance to win a paid 12-month
0:38:01 > 0:38:04work experience placement with the council.
0:38:04 > 0:38:07A bit scared. It's a bit nerve-racking, really.
0:38:11 > 0:38:15It is D-day for the Confident Futures candidates.
0:38:15 > 0:38:17Six weeks of placements and mentoring
0:38:17 > 0:38:19has been leading up to this moment.
0:38:19 > 0:38:21You have met Steve before.
0:38:21 > 0:38:24They are each just one interview away from a placement
0:38:24 > 0:38:25that could change their lives.
0:38:28 > 0:38:31But not all of the candidates on the Confident Futures programme
0:38:31 > 0:38:33are guaranteed to pass this last test.
0:38:35 > 0:38:40And for Jack, Anthony and Jess, the tension is building.
0:38:40 > 0:38:43All the answers you were giving me, the questions we were going over,
0:38:43 > 0:38:45that's all it is. That's all it is.
0:38:45 > 0:38:47- I'll be all right.- You will.
0:38:47 > 0:38:49I can't stop shaking.
0:38:49 > 0:38:52And it's not only the candidates who are feeling the pressure.
0:38:52 > 0:38:54It is a big thing for me today
0:38:54 > 0:38:56because these young people are my young people
0:38:56 > 0:38:58who have been on my caseload
0:38:58 > 0:39:01and the most I want is for them all to succeed.
0:39:01 > 0:39:06Today is certainly a massive opportunity for care leaver Anthony.
0:39:06 > 0:39:08A paid placement in the highways department will help him
0:39:08 > 0:39:13- become self-sufficient. - I'm nervous now. I'm sweating.
0:39:13 > 0:39:15I have about 10, 15 minutes now before I go in.
0:39:18 > 0:39:20Deep breaths, innit?
0:39:20 > 0:39:24For Jack, hoping for a future in fleet maintenance,
0:39:24 > 0:39:26this is his first-ever formal interview.
0:39:26 > 0:39:29Jess wants to move into a fresh faze in her life
0:39:29 > 0:39:33and has her heart set on a placement in CCTV.
0:39:33 > 0:39:36Today the nerves are kicking in.
0:39:36 > 0:39:38I just want it so much.
0:39:38 > 0:39:41It is my live, basically, isn't it? That's what I'm thinking of.
0:39:41 > 0:39:44- We've got Jack. You have met Steve. - Hi, I'm Jack.- Nice to meet you.
0:39:44 > 0:39:47The candidates' mentor Jan leads the interview panel
0:39:47 > 0:39:49of council officers and managers.
0:39:49 > 0:39:53The next few minutes will decide the youngsters' futures.
0:39:54 > 0:39:57So, why do you want to work with us at Wigan?
0:39:57 > 0:40:00I love what I do, I love finding out how things work and, you know,
0:40:00 > 0:40:01how to solve problems.
0:40:01 > 0:40:03I'm very confident, I can talk to people,
0:40:03 > 0:40:07I can get stuck in as part of the team and I'm always on time.
0:40:07 > 0:40:09If not, I'm early, which hopefully I've proved.
0:40:11 > 0:40:16Why should we take you on as one of the Confident Futures apprentices?
0:40:17 > 0:40:19I think it will open a lot of doors for myself.
0:40:19 > 0:40:23I have come a long way from where I was a few years ago.
0:40:23 > 0:40:26It is a exciting opportunity. I really enjoyed CCTV.
0:40:26 > 0:40:29- You are passionate about that, aren't you?- Very.
0:40:29 > 0:40:33I got such a good feeling about it. It is unreal.
0:40:33 > 0:40:37My past, it's not very bright and I just don't look at the past anyway.
0:40:37 > 0:40:39I have been on highways for three weeks.
0:40:39 > 0:40:41It's something I want to do.
0:40:41 > 0:40:44You just get on with it, do you know what I mean?
0:40:44 > 0:40:46You are on machines as well.
0:40:46 > 0:40:50- The interviews are over. - Thank you very much.- You're welcome.
0:40:50 > 0:40:52The candidates have done all they can.
0:40:52 > 0:40:56Now it's up to Jan and the interview panel to decide their fate.
0:40:56 > 0:41:00He was absolutely one of the politest,
0:41:00 > 0:41:03well-mannered young gentlemen I have ever come across.
0:41:06 > 0:41:09He was so confident in how he portrayed himself
0:41:09 > 0:41:11and those questions.
0:41:11 > 0:41:13Very, very intelligent young lady.
0:41:13 > 0:41:16Knows what she wants, got a good, strong head on her shoulders.
0:41:16 > 0:41:18- Do you want to come through?- Yeah.
0:41:19 > 0:41:23Jack, Anthony and Jess all overcame their earlier interview nerves.
0:41:25 > 0:41:27But have they done enough?
0:41:27 > 0:41:30I've had tremendous feedback from highways about you, which I'm really
0:41:30 > 0:41:33pleased about, so I am delighted to offer you the 12 months.
0:41:33 > 0:41:36- Oh, thanks.- All right? - Yeah, that's brilliant, that.
0:41:36 > 0:41:39We are pleased to offer you the opportunity.
0:41:39 > 0:41:42- You have done well, Jess. - Thank you so much.
0:41:42 > 0:41:45- It means absolutely everything. - Go and celebrate.
0:41:51 > 0:41:52It's all over now.
0:41:55 > 0:41:57Eh? I know.
0:41:57 > 0:42:00I know, I never cry with my young people.
0:42:01 > 0:42:05Success for Jess and Anthony. But what of Jack?
0:42:06 > 0:42:10We are prepared to start you on the 12 months. All right?
0:42:10 > 0:42:12- Thanks very much, yeah. - Oh, brilliant, Jack.
0:42:12 > 0:42:16You've earnt it, you've earnt it on tremendous feedback from Keith.
0:42:16 > 0:42:19- Congratulations, Jack. - Thank you very much.- Great stuff.
0:42:19 > 0:42:21- Thank you.- I am made up for you.
0:42:21 > 0:42:25For Jack, Anthony, Jess and the other successful candidates,
0:42:25 > 0:42:27the future looks bright.
0:42:27 > 0:42:29- You've gone and done it!- Got a job.
0:42:32 > 0:42:33I feel so overwhelmed.
0:42:35 > 0:42:38I feel belting. I feel like a weight has been lifted.
0:42:38 > 0:42:39I feel really good.
0:42:39 > 0:42:43Now Jan can reflect on a job well done.
0:42:43 > 0:42:46I have seen a lot of these young people, you know,
0:42:46 > 0:42:48when they were at rock bottom
0:42:48 > 0:42:52and needed that support to lift them back up.
0:42:52 > 0:42:56So to see them gain a 12-month apprenticeship is just
0:42:56 > 0:43:00overwhelming because now they have got the future ahead of them.