A NEW partnership between Dorset Fire and Rescue Service and the Prince’s Trust is offering west Dorset youngsters opportunities.

The Prince’s Trust Team programme in Dorset has already run 100 courses, with 100 per cent of those completing the twelve week programme gaining a certificate in employment, teamwork and community skills.

Within three months of completing the programme, 80 per cent of the 16 to 25-year-olds have got jobs, education or training.

With core funding provided through Bridgwater College, the partnership will be breaking into a new century with Team One Hundred and One, based in Bridport at the YOU Trust’s West Rivers House.

Additional support is being offered by Job Centre Plus, BEST (Bridport Enterprise Supporting Training Ltd) and its ASPIRE Project, the BYPAT (Bridport Young Persons’ Action Trust) charity, and the YOU Trust. Other organisations are invited to add their support.

Recruitment is now under way for the programme, which starts on Monday, with a preliminary Taster Day tomorrow.

The emphasis will be on accessing the workplace and developing employability skills, with a two-week work placement. There will be a one-week residential course on Dartmoor to help develop team skills, followed by a three-week community project.

Each of the young people taking part will be asked to fundraise towards the community project, for which no funding is available. Local organisations are asked to contribute and both BEST and BYPAT will be donating £50 each.

Team leader Andy Dukes is inviting local employers who are willing to take a member of the programme on for work experience to call him on 07786 174230.

Suggestions for possible community projects are also being invited.

Jo McGowan, Prince’s Trust programme co-ordinator at Dorset Fire and Rescue Service said: “We are very excited to be running our first team in Bridport and hope it is the first of many.”