City of Westminster College’s Prince’s Trust Team students have held End of Team presentations to celebrate their achievements. The presentation ceremonies took place at Paddington Arts in front of supporters and invited guests, including Warwickshire cricketer Paul Smith, Prince’s Trust Celebrity Ambassador.
Recently the College made more places available to unemployed young people aged from 16-25 and, in all, 25 students graduated from the 12-week programme.
Teams 10 and 11 had some great experiences along the way, including a residential week of physical and group-working challenges – from raft building to climbing - and a cricket workshop at Lord’s where they met legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar.
Another highlight of the programme was the chance to give back, and the students worked with Defcon Workshops to make an advert for The Prince’s Trust. They also made ‘seed bombs’ (wildflower seed packs) to sell and participated in the Paddington Festival by hosting a talent showcase, raising £150 for charities that work with the homeless. The Big Issue supported the students’ initiative and even supplied a guest speaker for their talent showcase.
A vital part of the Team challenge is assistance with CV and interview skills and individual work placements. For Teams 10 and 11 these included placements at Marks & Spencer, Westfield London Shopping Centre, Lord’s and ETV Media Production. Some students have already secured jobs as a direct result of this work experience, and all of the students have developed a future direction and will be moving onto further education courses or training.
Team 10 member Mohammed Saada, 20, who has secured full-time employment as an administration assistant, says: “I started The Prince’s Trust Team programme to boost my confidence. The course has helped me with all of my problems. It was a real life-changing experience for me.”
Team 11 member, Joe Simpson, 23, says that in just 12 weeks he has gained a new outlook on life. “Three months ago I didn’t know what direction I was going in. Now I’ve found two routes for my future. I’ll be starting an Access to Science course at City of Westminster College in September. I didn’t know how to support myself through this but, as a result of my work experience with ETV Media Production, I have started working for them as a freelance film cameraman.
“I’ve been living on my own since I was 18 and have had a few trials and tribulations. Team has broadened my network of friends and given me confidence in areas where I didn’t feel so strong. I’d definitely recommend this programme – and if Team can work for me it can work for anyone!”
Places are available on the City of Westminster College Prince’s Trust Team programme beginning 20 September. If you are 16-25, unemployed and want to learn new skills without losing Jobseekers Allowance call 07920 723504.