Macclesfield Prince’s Trust graduates

A group of young people from Macclesfield have just completed The Prince’s Trust Programme and celebrated their success at a graduation ceremony.

The future looks bright for the team of six who joined a Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service led The Prince’s Trust Programme 12 weeks ago.

They were required to complete a series of qualifications, tasks and challenges to enable them to graduate from the programme at the ceremony which was held at Rookery Hall, Nantwich.

The team, who were all dressed in evening dress for the graduation, made speeches about their experience on the programme and how their lives had been changed by the programme.

Graduating from the course were:

• Jake Cameron
• Kenji Chintu
• Abigail Gleave
• Ashley Hewitt
• Dylan Jones
• Tyler Sharrocks

Programme manager Josie Shearman was assisted by assistant programme manager Jim Bennett and Firefighter and Community Safety Apprentice Oliver Myers.

Sean Barlow, Prince’s Trust Project Co-ordinator for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The team have faced many tasks and challenge over the last 12 weeks, but their confidence has grown and their skill set has been expanded. I would like to congratulate everyone on the team, not only for graduating, but for the way they have embraced new challenges and I wish them all the very best for in future.

“I would encourage anyone who is lacking in self-confidence or may be stuck in a bit of a rut, as to what direction their life needs to go next, to get in touch with the team leader and take advantage of this free programme.”

Over the last 12 weeks the group have learnt respect, self-confidence and a variety of new skills as part of the programme. They have grown as individuals and now have clear aims and objectives in life.

The team took part in a number of activities during the programme which included:

• Raising money for a community project by bag packing
• Food Hygiene, health and safety and first aid courses
• Fire awareness training and driving safety course
• Week long team building event in Wales

The Princes Trust programme is a free 12 week course giving young people, between the ages of 16 and 25, the opportunity to learn new skills, complete qualifications and gain greater self-confidence.

The next Macclesfield team starts on February 4 for 12 weeks. If anybody is interested, or you know anyone aged between 16 and 25 who you think would benefit from the Prince’s Trust programme, then please call Josie Shearman on 07875 565135.