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City College Plymouth and The King’s Trust Celebrate 30 Years of Partnership

City College Plymouth hosted a celebration event to commemorate 30 years of collaboration with The King’s Trust, held at the College’s on-site restaurant PL1 on Thursday 14 November. The evening honoured the dedication of current and former staff who have empowered over 3,500 young people through the King’s Trust Team programme. Together, these students have contributed over 14,000 voluntary hours, creating a lasting impact within the local community.

The King’s Trust programme, established at the College in 1994, has become a cornerstone for young people seeking personal and professional growth. With support from the College’s Skills Development team, the programme focuses on essential life and employability skills, such as resilience, leadership and adaptability, equipping students for a wide range of career pathways. This life-changing initiative has enabled many students to transform their lives, build friendships and succeed in their careers.

City College Plymouth’s Chief Executive, Jackie Grubb, said, “Since 1994, our partnership with The King’s Trust has empowered young people to grow personally and professionally, while giving back to our community. The impact of these past 30 years is visible across Plymouth, with former participants achieving career success, some even within our College. None of this would be possible without the dedication of our team and the support of our partners. We look forward to continuing this important work and embracing an exciting future with the King’s Trust.”

Steve Murphy, Curriculum Lead and Development Officer for Pre-employment and Skills Development, said, “The ethos of the programme has always been about bringing individuals together to form a supportive, effective unit that can face personal challenges and contribute to the local community. Our long-standing partnership with The King’s Trust has helped countless young people find confidence and direction. We’re so proud of our staff, partners and employers who make this journey possible by providing placements, guidance and encouragement to these students as they grow into the best versions of themselves.”

The event also featured personal stories from current and former staff members and alumni, offering insight into the programme’s enduring impact.

Are you aged 16-25 and looking to build confidence, gain new skills, and make lasting connections? Or do you know a young person that would benefit from an opportunity like this? Join The King’s Trust Team Programme at City College Plymouth, a free course that won’t affect your benefits and is designed for those not in full-time employment. Uncover hidden talents, meet new friends, and earn valuable qualifications, all while giving back to your community. To find out more, call 01752 856827 or text 07967 772651.

Image caption: From left to right, Ben Manning, Head of Curriculum, Quality & Student Experience at City College Plymouth; Jackie Grubb, Chief Executive of City College Plymouth; Steve Murphy, Curriculum Lead and Development Officer for Pre-employment & Skills Development at City College Plymouth; Chris Snow, Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Devon; Louise Spencer, Director of Delivery (UK) at The King’s Trust.