King’s Trust students showcased their newfound confidence and skills this month at their final Team presentations attended by representatives of the King himself.
Teams in Stockton, Middlesbrough, Darlington and Bishop Auckland, welcomed Deputy Lieutenants of County Durham who were eager to hear about the young people’s progress on the personal development programme.
Representing the Lieutenancy and the King at the Darlington Team room, Deputy Lieutenant (DL) Cyndi Hughes, said: “We are here to celebrate the incredible 12-week journey of these brilliant young people, brought to life through the fantastic partnership with the Education Training Collective.”
Working with those aged 16 to 25 and not currently in education, training or employment, The King’s Trust Team programme offers the chance for individuals to develop life and employability skills to help them find new direction.
The young people take part in a variety of tasks and challenges, including a community project, work experience and even a residential visit. All the time they are brushing up on essential skills such as teamwork, confidence, self-belief, resilience and leadership and, for many, the discovery of skills they didn’t even know they had.
Signing up to the programme in Darlington to increase his confidence and hopefully go on to find work, Kieran, 19, said: “It has boosted my confidence a lot, I wouldn’t have been able to speak like this if it hadn’t.
“Now I am going on to a 10-week paid Trailblazer placement with a construction company in Darlington.”
Building his confidence was also a driver for Steven, 24. He said: “I have been out of work for two years and found this through the job centre. I thought I would enjoy it and I have.”
Now going on to manual handling and health and safety course, as well as working towards his maths and English, he added: “My confidence is boosted and now I know what I want to do moving forwards.”
Rebecca, 24, is going on to study catering after The King’s Trust programme gave her the motivation to put her ambitions into action.
“This is something I have been interested in for a while and the course has given me the confidence to do that.”
The final Team presentation at the end of the course offers a chance to reflect on all the students have achieved, standing up in front of an audience of family, friends and invited guests.
DL Cyndi Hughes joined students at the Darlington Team presentation, DL Dame Dela Smith was welcomed by the Bishop Auckland Team, and King’s Trust learners at the Stockton and Middlesbrough Teams hosted DL Neil Schneider.
Presenting the Darlington Team with their completion certificates, DL Cyndi Hughes said: This vital work you have been a part of directly reflects the 50-year vision of His Majesty King Charles III to unlock youth potential and strengthen local communities.”
New King’s Trust Team courses are starting in Stockton, Middlesbrough, Darlington, Bishop Auckland and Catterick this September. For details visit: www.stockton.ac.uk/kings-trust
