Dean started his first team on 19 July 1999 and since then he has helped to change over 600 young people lives. On top of Dean’s impressive team figure, he is also the longest serving Team Leader in Scotland.

When Dean was asked why he wanted to become a Team Leader he said, ‘I moved up to Glasgow in 1993. I had previously worked in construction and I needed a career change. So, at the age of 25, I joined the Princes Trust as a team member. I was interested to see what it was like and I was pleased when I found I really enjoyed the whole experience. Afterwards, I continued with the Princes Trust in a volunteering capacity and then the job came up to be a Team Leader for Coatbridge Fire Brigade. The rest is history and 6 teams later I started employment with what was then Clydebank College.

Dean explains why working with the young people on the Team Programme is a rewarding experience. He says, ‘The job and the programme is so varied that no day is the same.  I can see what a huge difference the 12 week programme can do for those on the Team and I have some real success stories which make it even more worthwhile. The programme covers such transferrable skills which for those who buy into the programme, can open doors both socially and within employment. Over the years I’ve been able to see the benefits of the Princes Trust programme on the young people on my teams, especially with regards to morale. It’s really encouraging to see such progression and the distance travelled by some candidates is quite remarkable.

I’m extremely proud of all team members who have completed the programme today and in the past. It’s the young people that keep me inspired and motivated – here’s to the next 50 teams! ’

Juliet Dempster, Team Programme Manager, Prince’s Trust Scotland, said:

I would like to thank Dean for his dedication to The Trust and to the hundreds of young people he will have transformed the lives of through his delivery of our Team programme.

Team 50 which gave their final presentation on Wednesday 17 February were eager to explain how their Prince’s Trust experience has developed themselves as individuals and given them a focus on future career prospects. 

David, 23  from Milton said, ‘The community placement and team challenge were my favourite parts of the programme as we got to work with lots of people from the community. I think we were all a bit unsure what the programme would be like, but after the first day we all got over our nerves and enjoyed getting involved in all the tasks. It’s been a life changing opportunity for me.’

Kirsty Reid, Prince’s Trust Deputy Team Leader said, ‘Team 50 have been phenomenal and have all worked really to develop their skills to better prepare them for their next steps. It’s never easy, but they have shown outstanding commitment to the programme and I wish them luck for whatever they go onto to do next.’

If you are aged between 16-25 and are looking for the chance to improve your confidence and self-esteem, make new friends and learn new skills through a range of outdoor activities, community activities and work experience, then don’t wait a minute longer.  The next Prince’s Trust Team programme starts on Tuesday 29 March. Contact Dean or Kirsty on 0141 951 7643 or 07769 905550 for further information.