Warrington & Vale Royal College attends 30-year celebration of the Prince’s Trust and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service

On Thursday 14^th September, members of Warrington & Vale Royal College’s Senior Leadership Team attended a glitzy celebration at Chester Zoo, celebrating the 30^th anniversary of The Prince’s Trust and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service’s partnership.

The Prince’s Trust ‘Team Programme’, delivered by Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, is a free, 12-week programme for 16 – 25-year-olds that provides them with practical skills, self-belief, and help with getting a job. More than 5,500 young people have completed the programme since it began in 1993.

The memorable event began with a welcome from the Master of Ceremonies, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Area Manager, Steve McCormick, followed by talks from Alex Waller, Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive, and Lady Redmond MBE, Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire. After a delicious three-course dinner, Jonathan Townsend, Chief Executive of The Prince’s Trust, took to the stage to share the work of The Prince’s Trust in the community. Jonathan was followed by the aforementioned Steve McCormick, who delivered a talk about his personal journey as a former Team member. The event closed with talks from local partner employer Bentley Motors, and Cllr Stef Nelson, the Chair of Cheshire Fire Authority.

Warrington & Vale Royal College’s Vice Principal: Curriculum, Andrew Williams, Assistant Principal: Quality & MIS, Rebecca Welch, and Director of Quality & Curriculum: EPYP (Levels 2 & 3), Amanda Mackinnon, attended the event on behalf of the college. The college has been in partnership with The Prince’s Trust and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service since 2009 and welcomes three cohorts of Prince’s Trust students every year to gain a nationally recognised qualification. The college is exceptionally proud of this ongoing collaboration, and the vital role it plays in supporting young people to realise their potential and transform their lives through education and skills training.

Vice Principal Andrew Williams said: “It was a privilege to attend the celebration evening on behalf of the college. It was a very humbling experience to listen to individual student journeys and the immense impact The Prince’s Trust and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service has had on the lives of young people.”