Posted: Friday 7 August 2009

Kilmarnock College celebrates 100th Prince’s Trust Team

A group of 23 young people from Ayrshire took part in the 100^th Prince's Trust Team at Kilmarnock College.

Participants on the 100^th Team were on a 12-week programme during the summer, which involved taking part in a community project at Dumfries House, near Cumnock in East Ayrshire.  The group constructed steps, a kissing gate and a bridge to allow members of the public easier access around the estate. 

The Prince's Trust Team is a three-month personal development programme for young people aged 16-25, which improves participants' employability through vocational skills training and national qualifications. During the programme, the young people completed a community placement, gained work experience and took part in a residential week. The Prince's Trust and Kilmarnock College work in partnership with East Ayrshire Council to deliver the programme.

Team 100, which is comprised of young people from both Saltcoats and Kilmarnock campuses, gathered on the 26^th August at Dumfries House for a special ceremony where graduates were presented with certificates in front of friends and family, as well as staff from Kilmarnock College. 

Kilmarnock College's 'More Choice More Chances Manager', Carol Nisbet, said: "The Prince's Trust Team programme is a fantastic outlet for young people to develop their confidence and learn new skills, and we are extremely proud to celebrate our 100^th Team. This achievement is testament to the students involved in each programme and their enthusiasm and determination to make a difference to their lives and the lives of those around them.

"The College is planning to host a special event in the autumn to celebrate this achievement. It will be a great opportunity to reflect on the impact The Prince's Trust Team programme has had on the students who have taken part over the years, and the effect it has had on their journey to college or employment."

Geraldine Gammell, Director of The Prince's Trust Scotland, said: "This is an outstanding achievement for the College, The Trust and our young people.  This is a partnership we are very proud of and it has proven time and again to be hugely successful in changing lives.  At a time when young people are amongst the most vulnerable group in our society, it has never been more important to celebrate the successes of these 100 Teams, recognising their contribution to the community and their dedication to turning their lives around." 

Ayden Galliver, 16, from Saltcoats was one of the students on Team 99 and has come back as a peer mentor to assist Team 100 on its community project at Dumfries House.

As a member of Team 99, which completed in May 2009, Ayden took part in a team-building residential week at Craigower Lodge, Newtonmore near Aviemore and also raised money for local charities through a number of fundraising initiatives including packing bags at Ardrossan Asda. The Team also helped makeover Kilmarnock-based Hurlford Juniors Football Club's facilities by refurbishing the 'away' dugout, repainting railings and revamping changing and hospitality areas.

Ayden briefly worked as an apprentice bricklayer and labourer after leaving school but became unemployed and joined The Prince's Trust programme. Speaking about the programme, he said: "I decided to join The Prince's Trust programme to gain more confidence in myself and meet new people. It's been a brilliant experience and has definitely made me more confident, as well as gaining new skills and qualifications. The residential week was great, and I enjoyed taking part in so many different activities. I've really enjoyed working as a peer mentor as it's allowed me to give something back and help other people develop their skills."

Following his experiences on The Prince's Trust Team programme, Ayden has enrolled on the Personal Empowerment Zone (PEZ) course at Kilmarnock College which starts at the end of August this year.

Ayden said: "I'm looking forward to the PEZ course, and continuing on from everything I've learned on The Prince's Trust programme. The whole experience has changed my life."

For further information on The Prince's Trust Team programme, as well as other courses at Kilmarnock College, please contact Carol Nisbet on 01563 523 501 ext 4122 or e-mail: nisbetc@kilmarnock.ac.uk

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