Prince's Trust at Kilmarnock College nominated for honour

Jan 2 2009 by Clair Fullarton, Kilmarnock Standard

PRINCE’S Trust students and staff at Kilmarnock College have good reason to celebrate this new year after being nominated for a Prince’s Trust Community Impact Award and finishing in the top three.

The UK wide Prince’s Trust Team Programme is aimed at young people between the ages of 16 and 25 who are out of work and are looking to build their confidence by returning to education.

During the 12-week programme, students are required to take part in a community project.

Earlier this year, one of the teams from Kilmarnock College, operating from a base in Prestwick, was asked by the Newton and Wallacetoun Regeneration Forum to restore bollards and capstones along a popular walkway in Ayr’s River Street.

The team raised funds to pay for the project by doing a sponsored walk and secured donations of materials from B&Q and Crown Paints.

The response from the public and local businesses to the project was positive and as a result of the team’s excellent work, they were nominated for a Community Impact Award by Prince’s Trust area co-ordinator, Sharon Murdoch.

Since finishing the Prince’s Trust Team Programme, the 15 students have now all moved into education or employment.

Mark Vance, learner engagement leader at Kilmarnock College, said: “The Prince’s Trust Team programme has shown to be one of the most effective and rewarding ways to help unemployed young people realise their own potential.

“The students who took part in the River Street regeneration are a great example of how such programmes can benefit the community. To be recognised at the Prince’s Trust awards is a credit to both students and staff and all deserve huge congratulations.”

The Prince’s Trust awards ceremony took place earlier this month in the Royal Bank of Scotland buildings, Edinburgh.

For further information on the Prince’s Trust Team programme available at Kilmarnock College please contact Richard McPike on 01563 523 501 or email mcpiker@kilmarnock.ac.uk.

For a full list of courses available at Kilmarnock College please visit the website at www.kilmarnock.ac.uk