
The latest cohort of young people enrolled on The Kings Trust Team Programme at Hyde Fire Station graduated last week after completing an intensive 12 week course aimed at boosting employability, self-confidence and life skills.
Run by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service in partnership with The Kings Trust, the Team Programme provides young people aged 16-25 who are not in education, employment or training with the chance to take part in work placements, community projects, and personal development challenges.
This year's group, led by Team Manager Sarah Quinn, took part in everything from abseiling off bridges in Derbyshire to transforming gardens at Laurel Bank Care Home - and their stories speak volumes about the programme’s impact.
The students were joined by their families and friends at the graduation.
Brad, one of the young people who joined the course, says his work placement with a site manager in construction has opened his eyes to new opportunities.
“I got to work with sparkies, groundworkers, everyone. It was very enjoyable,” he said. “Next for me is hopefully a CSCS course and resetting my maths at Ashton Sixth Form. I want to get into construction, maybe plumbing or electrics.”
When asked what advice he’d give someone thinking about joining, his answer was clear: “Give it a shot. It’s 100% worth it. You’re not wasting your time - you’re gaining real experience.”
Harry, 19, had his sights set on the fire service when he started the course. Now, he's even more motivated after spending time with local firefighters and practicing drills.
“We went into smoke-filled buildings, did hose work, and I’ve now got a contact in the fire service who said I can come in and train anytime,” he said. “The whole course has helped me massively with social interaction too. A few of us were quiet at the start but now we’re all open - it’s proper changed me.”
Holly, 17, admits she was scared to join, but pushed herself out of her comfort zone and did it: “I didn’t know anyone. But now, I’ve made great friends and found confidence I didn’t know I had.
“On the residential I hated it at first, but I did it: rock climbing, canoeing, abseiling. Sarah sat with me when I panicked and just said, ‘You can do it.’ That chat changed everything.”
She also completed a work placement as a teaching assistant – a career she now wants to pursue.
“This course pushed me so far. I’d tell anyone my age: yes, you’ll be scared, but you’ll be so grateful you did it.”
Alfie, another graduate, admitted he nearly walked out of the residential trip.
“I called my mum ready to come home,” he said. “But she said stick it out, and I’m so glad I did. I was just lying in my room before this. Now I feel a real sense of gratitude. Every single one of us came out better than when we started.”
His mum was beaming with pride: “He’s come a long way. I’m really proud of him.”
Leighton, 17, was referred to the Kings Trust course by the Job Centre and wasn’t sure what to expect: “At first, I was nervous. But once I got used to the team, we had a great time - especially on the residential and the community projects,” he said. “I gained real skills from it, and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who’s not doing much.”
As well as the young people’s families, the ceremony was attended by members of Hyde fire station and councillors Betty Affleck, Tafheen Sharif and Mayor Shibley Alam.
Speaking at the graduation event, Mayor of Tameside Shibley Alam praised the programme’s value: “This gives young people a chance to step outside their comfort zones, learn real-life skills, and make a difference in their community. Programmes like this help with employment, and mental health too. It’s an experience they’ll cherish forever.”
The young people presented speeches to the audience, something that was a challenge to a lot of them.
Sarah Quinn, Team Manager of Hyde’s King Trust programme, reflected on the group’s growth: “At the beginning, some didn’t want to speak to anyone. Today, they’re delivering speeches in front of an audience. It’s a huge transformation,” she said.
Sarah told us one of the main challenges she faced with the young people was them getting out of bed: “I tell them - this is an employability course. If you’re late, that doesn’t fly in the workplace. It’s about building those habits early.”
Sarah is already gearing up for the next course, which starts September 22nd in Hyde.
“If you’re 16–25, not in full-time work or education, this could be your stepping stone. Even if you’re unsure about the future - this programme helps you figure it out.”
For more information or to sign up for the next Kings Trust Team Programme at Hyde Fire Station, contact Sarah Quinn on 07837948564 or quinns@manchesterfire.gov.uk