YOUNGSTERS celebrated their achievements after completing a ten-week programme designed to boost self-esteem and employability skills.
The Mayor of North East Lincolnshire applauded the 12 job seekers who took part in the CatZero JobCentre Plus programme, that included sailing on a 72ft ocean racing yacht.
The newly confident participants hope to find employment after gaining qualifications in food safety, manual handling and handling hazardous substances, taking part in activities at sports clubs and even in a Dragons' Den-style presentation with local business people.
James Lyon, delivery officer for the South bank of CatZero, said: "All of the people who took part in Grimsby Group 3 should be very proud of themselves.
"They have put the time and effort in and now they will be prepared for whatever life throws at them.
"This programme is not just about the qualifications, it's about progression. They have to carry on being active and grab opportunities which will hopefully lead to employment.
"Everyone has completed the programme for different reasons to gain a different experience and to ultimately gain confidence. And now they have all gained the confidence they needed."
Councillor Mike Burton, the Mayor of North East Lincolnshire, handed out the participants' programme folders which contain memories.
Mr Burton said: "Society tends to judge people who can hold possessions, but what is more important is what you hold inside.
"I hope they have all taken from this programme commitment, care and citizenship.
"I congratulate them all who took part in this exciting programme."
Kim Vora, 24, from Scartho completed CatZero, she said: "It has been an inspirational journey and I have gained so much enthusiasm from it.
"It has made me come out of my shell to hopefully find employment from all the skills I have gained.
"I have also met some awesome people and I have enjoyed every minute of it."
Colin Tasker, 22, from Grimsby, was also praised at the celebration for his efforts, he said: "I would like to thank everyone who has made it possible for me to take part in this fantastic course.
"This is a very different programme to what the JobCentre normally put on because it is exciting with activities.
"I have met some good people too and I enjoyed learning something new on the first aid course."
Lorraine Charters, delivery officer of the South bank for CatZero, added: "They all deserve everything they have achieved. There have been so many highs on the course and lots of fun. They need to take those memories and that feeling of achievement away with them."
