Name: Abi

Age: 22

From: Basingstoke

Team: Basingstoke 38 

What were you doing before you started with the Prince’s Trust team programme?  

“I was at home applying for jobs and getting nowhere. Also, all my friends were still at university in Bath so I felt slightly isolated and had no idea what my next steps would be.”

What made you want to undertake the team programme and how did you hear about it? 

“My mum who is currently a Fire Safety Inspector in Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service suggested I apply for the PT programme and I’m so glad I did.”

What did you want to gain from undertaking the team programme?   

“I needed to start something new and I wanted to make new friends and start socialising again.”

How did you find the fire station input into the course?

“I really enjoyed it. Some of the firefighters ran a traffic collision course and it was so interesting and really makes you think. I also had a go at picking up an egg with the jaws of life which was really fun!”

Have you enjoyed any specific parts of the Team Programme?   

“My favourite part was residential as by then everyone seemed like best friends, really close, like you’d known each other forever. We went away for 4 nights to the New Forest where we tried so many activities – low ropes, canoeing, battle zone (laser tag in the woods), archery, high ropes, camp fires, bonding/team building.

I also really enjoyed my work experience. In the first week fire I spent time with the fire service and then in week 2 I joined the council’s environmental health team.”

What does the next chapter look like for you? 

“I’m ready to join the world of work now. Before joining I had no idea what to do and since work experience, I had a really good time with the council and the fire service, so I’m considering both options.”

What would you say to a friend who was thinking about joining the programme? 

“I would definitely recommend the programme to others. As well as leaving with a qualification and work experience, you also leave with a great friendship group and having helped the community.”

 Read more Prince’s Trust case studies