ScottishPower Learning recently scooped the Scottish regional Bombardier Partnership Innovation Award at the Scottish finals of the Prince’s Trust and RBS Celebrate Success Awards. The team from ScottishPower Learning was also shortlisted for the UK award finals – the only Scottish award winner to make the shortlist.  On the 18^th March 2008 the team received the runner up award, out of over 800 partners nationwide, at the UK finals held in London.

Despite narrowly missing the chance to take home the national award, ScottishPower Learning received an accolade from the youth charity and Stardust actor Charlie Cox for its outstanding achievements.  HRH The Prince of Wales presented the runner up award to Stephen Dunn, ScottishPower Director, Corporate Services.

Stephen Dunn said: “The Prince’s Trust ‘Team’ Programme, delivered by ScottishPower Learning, is a 12-week personal development initiative which enables unemployed 16-25 year olds to develop confidence, motivation and employability skills through a variety of activities in their community. ScottishPower Learning delivers this programme in Falkirk, Stirling and Glasgow’s East End.”

The energy company allows employees to spend 12 months working as team leaders and, in the past 10 years, over 50 have helped support over 1,200 disadvantaged young people take steps towards meaningful training and employment opportunities.

It is a unique win-win partnership which allows ScottishPower staff and disadvantaged young people alike to think creatively about their personal development and learn from each other in an inspiring and innovative way.

Julie McNeill, ScottishPower Learning’s prevocational programme co-ordinator, said: “We’re thrilled to have reached the UK final for this award.  We are committed to making a difference in the communities in which we work and our relationship with The Prince’s Trust lets us reach some of Scotland’s most disadvantaged young people helping them to overcome many of the barriers they face.”