ScottishPower Learning Celebrates 10 Years

Youngsters were put in the spotlight as a remarkable double was celebrated at a special event at the Falkirk Wheel on 2 August -  a decade of a partnership involving ScottishPower Learning and The Prince's Trust in Scotland also saw the 100th team of young people graduate from their 12-week Prince's Trust Team Programme.

ScottishPower staff are seconded to the programme to work with young people and help get them back in employment, education or training. Since the first team was launched in Falkirk 10 years ago, over 1,200 youngsters have been put through their paces across the country. The latest group was presented with certificates at a ceremony at The Falkirk Wheel. Making the presentation, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning Fiona Hyslop recognised the commitment of both partners. She said:

"Thanks to ScottishPower Learning and The Prince's Trust for believing in young people so young people can believe in themselves."

Over 50 ScottishPower staff have been seconded as Team Leaders during the last decade and Geraldine Gammell, Director of The Prince's Trust - Scotland praised their efforts:

"It is a fantastic testament to the calibre of staff employed by ScottishPower that they provide us with consistently strong team leaders. They help make a huge difference to the lives of young people we work with and display considerable leadership, resourcefulness and empathy in a role which is often complex and, at times, very demanding."

During the 12-week programme, young people take part in teambuilding, a residential course, a community project, learn basic first aid and go on a work placement. The 100th team was led by Michael Sellwood and Graeme Reid from ScottishPower's Energy Retail business, along with Project Scotland volunteer James Easton, and all appreciated the opportunity to learn and develop their skills.

Michael said: "Being a team leader has given me a totally different outlook on life and I now appreciate everything I have and everything that I can do. I always say to people when they ask about my job no two days are the same, you have an amazing time, but it is hard and challenging."

The 100th Team members all voted the programme a worthwhile experience and encouraged others to grab the opportunity if it came along.

For more information on the ScottishPower Learning programme, click here.