The Prince’s Trust Team programme is a free 12-week course for unemployed young people aged 16-25 who aren’t in education and are unsure about their future goals.
The programme helps to boost their confidence, increase motivation, and help them gain the new skills and experiences needed to turn their lives around whether they choose to find employment or access further education.
Every team member who completes the course also receives a nationally recognised Level 1 Employment, Teamwork and Community Skills qualification certificate.
The programme has been running successfully in Hampshire for two decades but following the formation of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS) in April 2021, the Service is proud to be reaching young islanders too. To date the course has been run from and supported by eight fire stations: Basingstoke, Gosport, Lyndhurst, Redbridge, Rushmoor, Ryde, Sandown and Waterlooville.
During this time our young people and staff have helped raise much needed funds to support local community projects, transformed community spaces from updating pre-schools outside learning spaces to giving care home residents an outside space they can enjoy with visitors.
All our young people have been pushed out of their comfort zone to help them realise their potential and they’ve had to negotiate team challenges to prepare them for life beyond the programme.
Laura Wheeler, 19, from Basingstoke, said:
“My first day of team was equally terrifying and amazing! I’ve been known as Laura since leaving school, where it took time for me to be accepted as a transgender woman.
“On team I didn’t have to hide who I am. I felt comfortable to be myself and give everyone the full effect of Laura. If I could go back and do it all again, I wouldn’t change a thing.
“I’m really proud to have finished the course and to have my family’s support at my final presentation evening, so I can thank them for the support they’ve given me.
“With the Prince’s Trust I’m applying for a digital based apprenticeship as all things surrounding IT interest me.”
Kevita Longley, 19, from Southampton, said:
“Before team I was avoiding people. Team has given me a routine, the confidence to be around people and I’ve learnt to communicate better with the people I live with.
“The course was great for me because it was a mixture of practical, placement and coursework. I’d like to go back to college to achieve my Level 1 in Health and Social Care and Counselling to one day work for a suicide prevention group or at a children’s home.
“Having had first-hand experience of the care system I’d like to use my past to help change the future for others.”
Levi Gander, 20, from East Cowes said:
“When I heard about the programme, I thought it might help me with my anxiety, so I applied and I’m so glad I did. It has changed my life for the better and my confidence and self-esteem have grown massively.
“It’s always been a dream of mine to become a teacher and I learnt so much during my placement that it gave me the confidence to apply to University and follow my dream! I can’t wait to start my course in September!”
Chief Fire Officer, Neil Odin, said:
“I’m very proud that Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service has been able to deliver the Prince’s Trust Team Programme, for two decades. This is an incredible achievement, not just for the young people we’ve supported, but also for all my colleagues who’ve made this possible.
“When the pandemic hit, the course adapted and continued to reach and support young people remotely. Since the pandemic, now more than ever, young people need support to rebuild their confidence and increase their employability. I look forward to many more successful team programmes to come.”
Prince’s Trust, Team Programme, Manager, Jo Gregory, said:
“We are extremely proud of the achievements of our young people and staff. Over three quarters of our young people achieve positive outcomes such as entering employment, further education or volunteering. The difference in just 12 weeks is always remarkable to watch and celebrate.”
