It was a time for celebration as families, friends, HIWFRS colleagues and dignitaries gathered together to mark the achievements of Prince’s Trust Teams Basingstoke 38, Isle of Wight 06 and Southampton 62.
The celebrations began with a presentation ceremony for team IOW06 at Ryde fire station on Wednesday 13 December. Team members gave individual speeches reflecting on the difference the 12-week course has made to their lives.
Later that evening it was time to mark the success of Southampton 62 in a ceremony held at Redbridge fire station. All team members were presented with certificates to mark their journey and success.
The final ceremony was held at Basingstoke fire station on the evening of Thursday 14 December where team members from Basingstoke 38 gave individual speeches and talked about their highlights from the course. At one point 3 of the team even treated the audience to several rap songs about their journey.
All presentations also included a video round-up of each team’s highlights during the 12- week programme, including a series of photos from their community projects and residential team-building.
Prince’s Trust Manager Rochelle Warner said:
“We are so proud of our 3 Prince’s Trust Teams for completing their 12-week personal development programme. Their team leaders have been incredible role models, motivating and challenging the young people to each reach their potential and achieve their goals.
We can’t wait for our new January Teams to start in Basingstoke and Waterlooville in January!”
Abi ,22 from Basingstoke joined the programme after leaving Bath University in her third year due to personal circumstances. Abi said:
“I was at home applying for jobs and getting nowhere. Also, all my friends were still at uni in Bath so I felt slightly isolated and had no idea what my next steps would be.
“My mum who is currently a Fire Safety Inspector in HIWFRS then suggested I apply for the PT programme and I’m so glad I did.
“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.”
Abi is now considering applying for roles within the fire service as well as potential apprenticeships in environmental health with the council.
Liam, 22 from London, joined the Basingstoke Prince’s Trust team after moving there from London.
Liam said:
“The course was suggested to me by the local job centre as I had just moved to the area and didn’t know anybody. Also, I wanted to brush up on my teamwork skills as I had been out of work for a little while since college.
“To anyone thinking of joining, I would say, just go for it. You might be nervous at the start going into a group with strangers but at the end of it, it’s worth it and you’ll come out with some really good friends.
“I really enjoyed working alongside some of the firefighters during my work experience, so in the future, I’m considering volunteering to support the Fire Cadet programme.”
The next Teams programmes start on 22 January 2024 at Waterlooville and Basingstoke fire stations.
If you’re aged 16-25 and looking for a new challenge or know someone who is, Email: princes-trust@hantsfire.gov.uk or text Team to 07918 887897 for more information, or visit our Prince’s Trust area.