Princes Trust believe that every young person should have the chance to embrace exciting opportunities. They help 11 to 30 year-olds who are unemployed or struggling at school to transform their lives. Through the Princes Trust more than three out of four will achieve greatness, moving into jobs, education and training. We met Penny who benefited from participating on the Princes Trust TEAM program and later secured a job in the Princes Trust team.

Penny can you tell us about your life before joining the Princes Trust team?

I finished a Business Studies course at College and then moved onto Sports coaching during this time I fell pregnant and got married to my partner. Unfortunately, the relationship broke down and I found myself alone at home with a 9-month-old baby and a 2-year-old. I was working during this time at a pub, I honestly thought that was all I would be doing for the rest of my life.
It was my Mum who referred me onto the TEAM programme at the Princes Trust I started by going on a week’s residential I saw it as a chance to find myself and start over – to find out what I was capable of. Through the Princes Trust I gained a 2 week work experience placement at Trowbridge Town Council. Following the placement, I was offered various roles on a casual basis in; tourist information, events, job coaching and sports coaching.

What has the Princes Trust role given you?

Gaining the role in the Princes Trust office was something I had always hoped for, I knew if a role came up I would apply. I think when you are at School or College you are with a group of friends and behave how others do but once you are in a work place you can understand who you are and what you want. I will be undertaking the Education Training qualification at Level 3 to support me in my job role as Team Leader.

Having been through the programme and been successful in gaining a new career what would you like to tell others about the TEAM programme at Princes Trust?

I think the course is life changing, whether you are successful in getting a job or not. In the 12 weeks you will gain skills, confidence and friends – 5 years down the line I am still in touch with those I was on the course with. I think it also helps improve your mental health and gives you routine, as a single Mum it is easy to think this is my life now, but I found that I can do so much more. The course was my safe space to grow and develop.

If you would like to take part in the next TEAM program or know somebody who would benefit from the course take a look on Work Wiltshire for the next intake details.