Eight young people in Dorset have had their achievements recognised.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service held a virtual presentation to celebrate the achievements of the youngsters who have completed the Prince’s Trust Team programme.

The online celebration event enabled Team 124 to explain their experiences to family, friends and distinguished guests what they had achieved over the previous 12 weeks and their hopes for the future.

The group were all awarded a Prince’s Trust Team completion certificate, presented by Lord Lieutenant of Dorset, Angus Campbell, and have also achieved the Employability, Teamwork and Community Skills Qualification as well as an Emergency First Aid at Work certificate.

The eight young people had worked together as a team throughout the 12 weeks to overcome fears, conquer challenges, and complete some excellent work in their local community. During the programme, they took part in an outdoor activities residential course in Dartmoor, tackling activities including rock climbing, abseiling, river scrambling and developing navigation skills during a night hike.

In addition, they planned and completed a community project by repainting the perimeter fencing at a play park in Canford Heath, and completed a two-week work experience placement, with some excellent references from the employers.

During the presentation, one of Team 124, Steve, said: “Thanks to this course, I’ve managed to gain my CSCS card. Debbie helped me study and I’d never studied before in my life, but I managed to pass it thanks to the team supporting me. On the two week work experience placement, I joined a local scaffolding company and from that I have been offered a permanent job.”

Debbie Harvey, Prince’s Trust team leader for DWFRS, said: “Whilst it was a shame we couldn’t hold the presentation in person, it didn’t take away the occasion of the event and it was a great way to end the course and celebrate the young people’s achievements. Team 124 have been brilliant to work with and their speeches were full of humour, joy, enthusiasm and hope for the future. Each team member has given so much commitment, hard work and energy, and we wish them all the best of luck for the future and know they will all go on to achieve amazing things.”

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service have another 12 week Prince’s Trust Team programme starting on Monday 24 January at the Edith Lyle Scout Hall on West Quay Road in Poole. If you are aged 16-25 and would like to sign up or find out more information, please contact Debbie Harvey on 07500 066134 or email debbie.harvey@dwfire.org.uk.