THE achievements of youngsters who have completed the first Prince's Trust programme at Weymouth College were celebrated.

The 12-week course sees 16-25 year olds getting involved in a range of projects to gain the skills to help them in future employment.

The students took part in a community project refurbishing The Front skate park and two weeks of work experience placements. The group also worked on their team building at a residential week in Dartmoor, career planning and their presentation skills to improve personal ability and confidence.

Kye Vallance a team member said that he’d loved the 12 week course and is reluctant to leave. He then said that after it, life is not going to be the same.

To recognise their achievements, an event was held in the college’s HIX Academy where local band The Leggomen played live.

It was here that the programme concluded with students sharing their personal journeys and as well as future plans ahead of the course.

Prince’s Trust Leader Tim Ellis said: “It has been wonderful to be able to facilitate the progress these young people have made in this short time.

"They have discovered some real potential and now have plans to achieve those goals. I congratulate them all on their efforts& wish them well in their future plans.”

The college will continue to support all members that have taken part in the last 12 weeks by helping them to progress their future plans, training and personal development.

The Prince’s Trust is a youth charity set up by the Prince of Wales. Since 1976 the charity has helped 750,000 young people. The team programme is one of many that the charity offers to young people, designed to engage 16-25 year olds, focussing on developing their confidence and abilities through offering work experience, practical skills and community projects.

Weymouth College will be holding a Prince’s Trust taster day at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy on March 18 ahead of the next course. Anyone interested is welcome. For more information call Tim on 07872 419409 or email tim_ellis@weymouth.ac.uk.