From Learner to Leader
How The King’s Trust Team Programme Changed Everything For Jay
Walking into a room full of new people can be a bit scary – especially when your confidence is low, or when you’ve been feeling completely isolated.
Jay Parkinson knows the feeling. Today, Jay helps run The King’s Trust Team Programme for Groundwork in Leigh. But rewind the clock a few years and Jay was the one walking through the door for the first time: nervous, unsure and sitting in those exact same seats.
Jay picks up the story…..
Seven years ago, I stood in the exact same shoes you might be standing in right now—uncertain, directionless and fearing where my life might be heading.
When I first joined the King’s Trust Team Programme in Wigan, I sat there wondering: Will this 12-week course actually benefit me, or am I just wasting my time? If only I knew then what I know now.
The Turning Point
I was lucky enough to know a couple of people on my team, which helped me settle in at the start. And as each week went by, I felt more comfortable and started to enjoy it.
I can still remember the exact turning point that changed everything. I’d always been passionate about fitness and had my heart set on doing my work experience placement in a gym. But when I got an injury playing football, all my plans went out the window.
At the time, I was gutted. But looking back, it was probably the best thing that could’ve happened to me. Because I couldn’t do the gym, I ended up doing my two weeks with Groundwork instead. It completely changed the course of my life and it’s the reason I’m doing what I’m doing today.
This programme will do absolute wonders for your confidence and self-esteem.
Jay
Fast Forward
Fast forward to now and I’m working as the Assistant Team Leader for the King’s Trust programme in Leigh. Every day, I can apply what I’ve learned, working alongside our Team Leader to keep our sessions running smoothly and make sure every young person gets the support they need to thrive. More than anything, I get to use what I went through to help young people step out of their comfort zones, push past their doubts and unlock their true potential.
This course didn’t just give me practical skills – it gave me the motivation to use my own life experience to build a proper career. Now I get to do a job I genuinely love, helping young people who are sitting in the exact same seats I was in seven years ago. I’m living proof that where you’ve been doesn’t have to dictate where you’re going.
Jay’s Advice
If you’re sitting on the fence about applying, my advice is simple: trust the process, go for it and give it your all. You might feel stuck right now, but this programme will do absolute wonders for your confidence and self-esteem. Take that first step, even if you don’t feel 100% ready – you never know where it might lead you.
Ready to start your next chapter?
If you’re aged 16–25 and currently out of work or education, The King’s Trust Team Programme is completely free and won’t affect your benefits.
Getting involved will introduce you to new people, help you to learn new skills and gain qualifications. At the end of the programme you’ll be able look back on a life changing experience and look forward to a positive future.
We are about to start new Team Programmes in Wigan and Leigh starting in September.
To find out more:
Text the word KINGS to 80800 (FREE OF CHARGE)
We’ll give you a call back, give you more info and answer any questions you might have.
Or give us a call:
Leigh: 07810 123 854 or 07518 844 904
Wigan: 01942 821 444 07713 565 442 or 07426 866 611
You can also visit these webpages for more information:
