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High climber Katie Duke is on the right track after choosing to embark on a Prince’s Trust course at Stockton Riverside College.

The 12-week Team programme is open to young people aged 16 to 25, offering the chance to develop new skills, take part in a range of activities and boost their employment chances.

For 19-year-old Katie it has been the ultimate success.

A work placement at Billingham Forum led to an apprenticeship job offer at the leisure centre.

Katie said: “It was quite a surprise as I was still on the course when I was offered the apprenticeship. I had hoped that something would come of it but nothing like I am doing now.”

As an apprentice in activity leadership, Katie is training as an instructor in the leisure centre’s Go Climb space and gym and also as a lifeguard.

“It has been really good, everyone has been so helpful,” she said. “I had thought about working in fitness but as a starting point this is more than I could have asked for.”

Looking back at her time on The Prince’s Trust course, she said: “When I first started I wasn’t very open to talking to people but it brought out my confidence and now I am talking to people all the time dealing with customers. It was a really good experience.”

Stockton Riverside College delivers Prince's Trust Team courses in Billingham, Stockton, Middlesbrough, Redcar, Darlington, Bishop Auckland and Catterick. With courses starting on Monday January 15th and 22nd book your place now. Visit www.stockton.ac.uk/princes-trust/ for details or call 01642 865 548.

 
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