City of Westminster College’s Prince’s Trust Team Programme students had plenty to celebrate at their Award Presentation, held at Lord’s Cricket Ground. Over the 12-week course the Team 6 students gained confidence and valuable workplace skills – and had fun along the way.
The presentation was made by Prince’s Trust Ambassador Major Phil Packer. A former team leader with the Trust, Phil suffered horrific injuries in a rocket attack in Iraq. Told he would never walk again, he has just completed the 2009 Flora London Marathon over 13 days as part of his work to raise £1 million for the charity Help for Heroes.
Others in attendance included MCC Chief Executive Keith Bradshaw and Sustainability Manager Dr Russell Seymour, City of Westminster College Chair of Governors Jude Boardman and Principal Robin Shreeve, plus many friends, family and supporters of Team 6.
Guests watched a moving presentation from the group, describing their 12-week journey on the Team Programme. As well as learning practical skills such as first aid, CV writing and job interview techniques, the group went on a team-building residential trip. Together they tackled climbing, archery and high ropes - and also found their way out of the centre’s complex maze!
A highlight of the 12 weeks was a media project for Lord’s. Team 6 were asked to make a film and podcast to showcase cricket to a younger and broader audience. Both were shown at the presentation. The group learned cutting-edge film, music and production skills thanks to charity Defcon Workshops – an offshoot of independent hip-hop label Defcon Records. Its President Nattty Sobhee (also a Prince’s Trust Ambassador) attended the presentation along with the project’s advisors Tom Basista, Neal Flynn, Sophie Pringle and Aina Westlye.
A core focus of the Prince’s Trust programme is work for the community and Team 6 devised and painted a colourful mural for a children’s nursery in Lisson Gardens. They also raised funds and presented them to a local residential home for the elderly and held a cricket tournament at Lord’s for young people from the community.
Career building lies at the heart of the Team 6 challenge, so the group also participated in individual work placements. These included working at a sports centre, a play centre and at the Ministry of Sound. As a result of these placements, several of the students have already gained further work experience opportunities.
City of Westminster College is delighted with the achievements of Team 6 and congratulate them on their success. Team 6 are: William Anderson; Charlie Carpenter; Ossian Hanvey; Hassan Harir; Faissal Kasoui; Rudie Masukumie; Tyrone McFarlane; Nassa Yusuf Mohammed; Zoe Patel; Jason Solomo; Ricardo Spooner and Daniel Treanor.
Prince’s Trust Team 7 is recruiting now and the 12-week programme begins on Monday 18 May. If you are aged 16-25, unemployed and interested in learning new skills without losing your Jobseeker’s Allowance, call 020 7258 2975 or 07900 171600.