Two young people have become the first to complete the council's Young Leaders programme.
The initiative was launched two years ago for young people, aged between 18 and 25, as a stepping stone into local government or leadership roles following the Torfaen Youth Forum.
Boyd Paynter, from Blaenavon, and Corban Edwards, from Cwmbran, have worked with council officers including the elections team, supported youth forum activities, and gained first-hand experience of local decision-making by shadowing elected members and attending council meetings.
Boyd,18, said: "Being a Young Leader has opened so many doors for me to develop my skills. A highlight for me was attending the council's cabinet meeting in late February. It was brilliant to see how the council runs.
"The Young Leaders Programme is a fantastic opportunity for young people to get involved with local democracy and youth representation.
"If you are part of the Torfaen Youth Forum and are aged 17 or 18, then I would strongly encourage you to join the Young Leaders Programme and help make a difference for young people living in Torfaen."
Phillip Wilson, the council's Children and Young People's Participation Officer, said: "We are incredibly proud of what Boyd and Corban have achieved during the first year of the Young Leaders Programme.
"They have represented young people with passion and commitment and have demonstrated the important contribution young people can make to local democracy.
"The success of the first year has highlighted the value of giving young people meaningful opportunities to engage with decision-making and local government."
Cllr Richard Clark, Executive Member for Children, Families and Education, said: "I would like to commend our Young Leaders on their professionalism and maturity - they really are rising stars.
"This programme complements the council's youth forum, Torfaen Youth Alliance, Young People's Takeover Days and Shadow Board and ensures young people's views are at the heart of the decisions we make."
The next Young Leaders programme and Youth Forum will start in September. Secondary school pupils interested in joining the youth forum need to speak to their schools' participation leads.
Information about the council's next Takeover Day will be shared in the autumn.
For information about young people's participation in Torfaen, contact phillip.wilson@torfaen.gov.uk