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Prince’s Trust Team graduates with fire service honours

Eleven young adults have successfully graduated from the second South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Prince’s Trust Team Programme after having completed 12 weeks of challenges that have tested them to their limits. 

South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue (SYFR) teamed up with the Prince’s Trust and Barnsley College to deliver the Prince’s Trust Team Programme. The programme is a 12 week personal development course for unemployed 16 – 25 year olds, offering work experience, qualifications, practical skills, community projects and a residential week.  

The young people have all been thrown out of their comfort zone during the last few weeks, participating in a week-long residential in the Peak District, working with the people of Goldthorpe by painting three unloved railway approach bridges and inspiring the first embankment nature reserves in the Dearne Valley, working in the wider community with various groups including local military veterans as well as learning new skills in individual work placements. 

The graduation which was held at Barnsley Town Hall was a fantastic celebration of all their hard work and efforts. It was attended by their friends, family, local businesses who were involved with supporting the team as well as local dignitaries. 

SYFR Team Programme Leader John Daley said; “I am really proud of the whole group, throughout the Team Programme the young people have experienced a sense of achievement which has inspired them to move forward with new confidence and ambition. We wish them all the luck for their future.” 

SYFR Area Manager Steve Helps, said: “The last 12 weeks have been about building the confidence of these young people and equipping them with the skills qualifications and experience to find employment and build better lives for themselves. From classes in CV building to university visits and work placements we have been able to offer participants crucial skills and insights they otherwise may never have experienced. I am truly proud of the role the fire service has played in helping these young people aspire to a better future.” 

William Wardale, member of the Team Programme said; “Before I started the programme, I was unemployed, didn’t have a lot of confidence or many friends. Since I have joined, I have made lots of new friends, I have lots of new memories and built many skills. I really enjoyed the experience and painting bridges in Goldthorpe.”

This content was last updated on July 27th, 2016