Young islanders are being offered the opportunity to join Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service’s Prince’s Trust Team Programme for the very first time.
The team are looking for young people aged between 16 and 25 across the Isle of Wight to sign up for the free 12-week development course starting on Monday 24 January.
The programme has been running successfully in Hampshire for two decades, and to mark the 20th anniversary year and celebrate the formation of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service in April last year, the team is launching a new programme on the island.
Delivered at Ryde Fire Station, the programme aims to reduce the number of young people who aren’t in education, training or employment, providing them with life skills and a qualification, helping them to prepare for further education or employment.
A taster day is being held on Wednesday January 19 to give prospective team members a flavour of the activities, work experience placements and community projects within the programme.
HIWFRS Prince’s Trust manager, Joanna Gregory said:
“It is brilliant that we are now able to bring our highly commended Prince’s Trust Team Programme to the Isle of Wight.
“Over the years our programme has seen hundreds of young people complete the 12-weeks equipped with new skills and ready for employment.
“The programme really does help to change the lives of the young people we work with and we are looking forward to welcoming prospective team members for the exciting taster day on January 19.”
Previous team members have garnered newfound confidence, gained motivation, overcome personal obstacles and made new friends on their way to entering employment or further education.
The course culminates in a presentation ceremony to celebrate the successes of those on the programme.
Team leaders have worked hard to adapt the programme in line with government Covid-19 and education guidance using a blend of virtual learning and face-to-face delivery over the 12 weeks.
A thorough induction process with all young people will take place before the course starts to ensure everyone is safe.
For more information about the course and the taster day on January 19 contact the team leaders on 07918 887 897 or via email (princes-trust@hantsfire.gov.uk).
You can also visit the website to find out more about the programme broken down into specific weeks – https://www.hantsfire.gov.uk/community/young-people/princes-trust/