COLLEGE NEWS: Chloe benefits from Princes Trust Team Programme

A SOMERSET teenager has completed Bridgwater College’s 12-week Princes Trust Team Programme and as a result has also secured herself a three-month traineeship.

Before starting the programme 16-year-old Bridgwater girl Chloe Cousins was quiet, low in confidence and struggling to find direction in her life. However, due to her commitment, hard work and support from the other team members she went from strength to strength.

The team programme provided Chloe with the opportunity to demonstrate what she was capable of in a supportive and friendly environment.

She took part in a residential, a community project, work experience and a team challenge where Chloe was pushed out of her comfort zone, enabling her to begin to understand her strengths and weaknesses.

Chloe said: “When I was on the Prince’s Trust Team Programme everyone involved really helped me out, especially on the residential because while I was away I managed to make a lot of new friends.”

During the team programme Chloe chose to undertake her work experience at local radio station Sedgemoor FM.

These two weeks were a big turning point for Chloe as she impressed Dave Englefield and the team so much that they snapped her up on a three-month traineeship.

PHOTO - TOP: Chloe Cousins.

Her traineeship involved her working with Somerset Skills and Learning once a week to enhance her maths and English qualifications ready for when she starts her Level 1 Animal Care course in September with Bridgwater College.

Sedgemoor FM and the Prince’s Trust have established a strong working relationship with the sole purpose to help support, encourage and nurture young talent within Somerset.

Dave Englefield, of Sedgemoor FM, said: “Working alongside the Prince’s Trust Team has enabled us to engage with young people like Chloe, to help them learn new skills and develop a better understanding of what they will face in a busy work environment.

“In Chloe’s case, it has been wonderful to watch her grow in confidence as she got to grips with the tasks assigned to her. Although Chloe’s time with us has now come to an end she leaves with a smile on her face and a spring in her step.

“To have played even just a small part in that is deeply gratifying. I believe other local businesses would benefit greatly from forming a similar working relationship that Sedgemoor FM has forged with the Prince’s Trust team, and I’m looking forward to working closely with the team again very soon.

Prince’s Trust Team Leader Amanda Johnson added: “The Prince’s Trust Programme would struggle to run locally without the time, patience and dedication of individuals like Dave Englefield and companies like Sedgemoor FM, who provide such vital opportunities, support and encouragement to local young people.”

To find out more about how the Prince’s Trust Programme can help you if you are aged 16-25 years old or if you would like to help or support our students by offering work experience opportunities contact Amanda Johnson on 01278 455464 Ext-5094 / 07703192816 or alternatively email johnsonam@bridgwater.ac.uk .

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