MEETING the Duchess may have been a highlight – but for these young people a 12-week personal development course proved a life-changing experience in more ways than one.
When they first enrolled on the Prince's Trust team programme earlier this year, the 12 unemployed people lacked confidence, motivation and direction.
Now, after completing the intensive programme of personal development, work experience, and team bonding, the group are feeling much more positive about the future.
The course is delivered in North East Lincolnshire by Humberside Fire and Rescue Service and funded by Grimsby Institute. Teaching takes place at Peaks Lane Fire Station, with some elements of the course taught at the Institute.
The programme, which aims to improve the employment prospects of out-of-work young people aged 16 to 25, offers work experience placements, qualifications in employability, food safety and sports coaching, and a one-week residential in Buxton, Derbyshire, where the team got to experience outdoor activities such as caving, abseiling and orienteering.
An unexpected bonus was meeting the Duchess of Cambridge when she toured Peaks Lane Fire Station during her visit to Grimsby on March 5.
Darren Field, 20, of Cleethorpes, joined the programme after failing to secure an apprenticeship as an electrician. He is now hoping to study sports therapy at the Institute.
He said: "It has got me out of a rut and helped me a lot with motivation."
Claire Rogers, 23, who lives at the YMCA in Grimsby, said: "It has been fantastic. I have regained my self-confidence and self-esteem.
"Meeting the Duchess of Cambridge was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
Michaela Welch, 23, of Grimsby, said: "I want to be a paramedic and this course has given me a better idea of what I need to do to achieve that."