6. The Bedford College Group Expands King’s Trust Programme across the South East Midlands

After celebrating more than 25 years of partnership with The King’s Trust in 2024, The Bedford College Group continues to expand across new locations around the South East Midlands region.

This ensures that even more young people who are out employment, education and training can access vital support and training.

Formerly The Prince’s Trust, the charity was renamed following the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III. Over the past 26 years, The Bedford College Group has helped more than 5,000 young people through free training courses, many of whom have since secured employment or progressed into further education.

Unlike traditional education pathways, these courses offer development for young people outside of the classroom. Most individuals who undertake these courses have ‘fallen through the cracks’ of mainstream education, been through adversity or find themselves out of work, losing confidence along the way. The King’s Trust course bridges this gap between unemployment and getting back into the world of work.

To meet demand across the region, The Bedford College Group is providing new locations. Programmes are now running in: 

• Kettering
• Bedford
• Peterborough(new location)
• Wellingborough
• Northampton North
• Northampton South
• Luton and Dunstable (launching later in 2025)

Each year, the Group runs 21 teams with an average of 15 participants per team, providing structured courses for 16-25-year-olds.

The impact is clear: 83% of participants move on to further education or employment, with 32% returning to study at The Bedford College Group in the last academic year.

Thomas Bubeer,22 from Desborough recently undertook the course.

Thomas said:

“Before this course, I was applying for jobs but not getting much back. I started this course and didn’t think I would make it to the end, but here I am!  

“Due to being on the autistic spectrum, I struggled with communication, but my skills have really increased in the last 12 weeks. I have a keen interest in fitness, so my work experiences during the programme were at Corby international pool and Lodge Park Sports Centre which was my first experience within a workplace. During these work experiences, I took on many different roles and shadowed many members of staff. My main goal is to become a personal trainer and with these work experiences now on my CV, I’m one step closer to achieving it.” 

These new locations will ensure that even more young people across the South East Midlands will have the chance to build brighter futures, even outside of traditional education.

To find out more about The King’s Trust Team Programme,

visit Team programme | Personal development, skills and confidence