A 14-Week Journey That Can Change Your Life

Another group of young people from across Hastings and Rother have successfully graduated from the latest Prince’s Trust Team programme at Sussex Coast College Hastings.

Friends and family gathered on Friday 8th December to celebrate the successes of the 9 young people and hear about the personal journeys they have been on over the last 14 weeks.

The Mayor of Hastings, Judy Rogers, and Vice Lord-Lieutenant of East Sussex, Sara Stonor, were in attendance to celebrate and present them with a nationally recognised Certificate of Employment, Teamwork and Community skills.

During the programme, Team 11 travelled to Ashdown Forest for an action-packed 4-day residential trip, trying their hand at canoeing, rock climbing and a sponsored abseil to raise funds for their Community Project; helping to decorate the Ore Community Centre. The group also completed a two-week work experience placement of their own choosing, before returning to college to identify their next steps and participate in a CV and interview skills workshop.

Daniel Wilson, 21, said: “The residential trip to Ashdown Forest was so much fun. We had the chance to do some abseiling and go canoeing, and I loved it. I was lucky to get 2 work placements during Team; I spent a week working in construction, and the other week, I was helping to build theatre sets. The whole 14 weeks was an amazing experience and my confidence has grown so much. I have made friendships that will last a lifetime, and for anyone who is stuck with life, I would recommend that they join Team!”

Amy Kilpatrick, Prince’s Trust Team Leader, said: “The Prince’s Trust Team programme continues to be an outstanding way to discover hidden talents of young people in the area. Everyone gels together really well and by the end of the 14 weeks, we’re like a small family. It’s inspiring to see their teamwork, community and employability skills flourish, giving them a great platform to get into whatever they want to do next.”

The Prince’s Trust Team Programme at Sussex Coast College is a free 14-week personal development programme for unemployed 16 – 25 year olds. It is designed to help get young people’s lives on track by equipping them with newfound confidence and skills to prepare them for the working world. If you would like to join Team 12 please register your interest via email: [email protected] or call 01424 458 458.