Young people in Norfolk are invited to join a free course to help them towards a brighter future
Team is inviting applicants aged 16-25 to join the next round of courses starting in May.
The Prince's Trust Team Project is a 12-week programme that helps to build confidence and skills in young people to help them get into employment, education, or training.
Team is open to young people who are currently not in work, education, or training. The latest round of Team begins in May with courses in Norwich, Dereham and King's Lynn, starting on the following dates:
- Norwich Team - 16 May 2022
- Dereham Team - 23 May 2022
- King's Lynn Team - 30 May 2022
Taster sessions will be available at all centres for potential learns to get a feel for the programme. Taster sessions will be held at:
- Norwich - St Barnabus Church, Russell Street 10 May
- Dereham - Dereham fire station 17 May
- King's Lynn - King's Lynn North fire station 24 May
Team teaches vital workplace skills in a fun and engaging way, including all learners going on a residential week and work experience placements. At the end of the course learners will come out with a qualification in Employment, Teamwork and Community Skills. They also get to visit local fire stations and meet NFRS crews as part of their experience.
Learners can work with and support organisations in their local community. Recent created a wildlife garden, bug hotel and mural at the Jessop Road Scout Hut and Community Space, built a covered sand pit and sensory trail for the Phoenix Montessori preschool, and built a wildlife garden and seating area for the 1st Beetley Scouts Group.
Councillor Margaret Dewsbury, Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships at Norfolk County Council, said: "Team is a shining example of the work Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service does with young people. The programme truly helps our young people by providing them with an opportunity to learn new skills, build new networks and take their first steps into the world of work. I would encourage any eligible young person to join Team."
Combined, the three recent Teams also managed to raise over £1,200 through sponsored walks, bake sales and collections to help fund their community projects. They used some of these funds to donation to Foodbanks and organisations supporting refugees.
Previous learners have secured a range of roles since Team, including Charlie King. Charlie completed the King's Lynn Team in July 2021. He then decided to volunteer with NFRS Youth Development to help deliver the Team Programme in Dereham in January 2022.
Charlie said: "I applied for many jobs, went back and forth between my options, hoping to find something that could help me prove to myself I hadn't failed. After a year of unemployment, I joined Team.
"I ended up becoming very passionate about Team. I felt part of something good. "The experiences I had gave me useful skills to take on to my next job, but in my opinion the real value of the Team programme is giving people like me who feel lost and unsure a feeling of confidence and growth.
"Team is a way for people who don't believe in themselves to see self-value they didn't know they had. I would recommend it to anyone who feels like they need growth and guidance."
Charlie has now got a job and will continuing to support a learner once the Team programme finishes.
To enrol into or learn more about Team email fireyouthdev@norfolk.gov.uk or call your local centre:
- Dereham: 07795 067383
- Norwich: 07920 792232
- King's Lynn: 07919 492245
NFRS runs Team on behalf of the Prince's Trust and in partnership with the College of West Anglia.