Michael Paterson
At 19, Michael, now 22, was struggling to see
a way forward after relocating and dropping out of college.
After completing the Team programme, he went on to start
a career in health and fitness, with ambitions of becoming a
personal trainer.
Michael relocated from Inverness to Edinburgh
in a bid to leave a life of alcohol and drugs behind him,
and secured a place at Stevenson College. Despite being a very
popular student he struggled with the academic work and was
disruptive in class. College staff suggested that the Team
programme might suit Michael better at this point in his
development.
On meeting with the Team leader, Michael spoke
openly about feeling lonely after moving cities and his worry about
dropping out of college and how that would look on his CV. Although
he had overcome his addictions, Michael was struggling to see a
positive way forward and hoped Team would give him the help he
needed to move his life forward.
Michael made an immediate impact on the Team.
His outgoing and friendly personality, his leadership skills and
organisational skills made him an outstanding team member. Although
he found the academic side of Team difficult, Michael’s natural
ability in sport was recognised early on and staff encouraged him
to look into a career in health and fitness. Michael secured a two
week work placement at a local health and fitness club where he
thrived.
Michael applied for a Development Award and
successfully achieved his Pool Lifeguard Qualification. After
completing Team, Michael secured employment with a Virgin Active
Health and Fitness Club where he has been employed since 2010 and
continues to be a very valued member of the team. He is considering
becoming a Personal Trainer at Virgin Active, an ambition his
employer is happy to support.
Michael is extremely satisfied with his life now – he has
ambition, drive, motivation and enthusiasm. Now settled into his
new life, he has a wide circle of friends and can see a very
positive future for himself.
Champions
We would like to acknowledge the individuals or organisations
who have played a key role in helping this young person achieve
success through their Prince’s Trust programme.
- Heather Johnstone, Young Ambassador,
The Prince’s Trust
- June Ferguson, Stevenson College
- City of Edinburgh Council