Just three weeks into Derby County Community Trust’s King’s Trust Team Programme, Lucas Hopper is already noticing a difference in himself. From finding it easier to talk to people to discovering a new interest in leadership, the 18-year-old is beginning to recognise what he is capable of and looking ahead to opportunities he might not have considered before.

Growing up in Derbyshire, Lucas initially planned to go to university after finishing college. However, he ultimately decided against it and began exploring other options, finding it difficult to work out his next steps.

Having worked at McDonald’s, he was keen to push himself further. Encouraged by his siblings and family to aim for more, Lucas started looking for opportunities to develop his skills. That search led him to The King’s Trust Team Programme, delivered by DCCT. He said: “After college I began looking for work but noticed it was really hard. So, I decided to look for extra ways to put myself out there and I read about the King’s Trust Team programme, so I thought why not get involved.”

The free, 12-week personal development programme supports unemployed young people aged 16 to 25 to build skills and prepare for their next steps. Through activities including work experience, a residential trip and a group community project, participants can gain experience in a practical environment while getting to know new people.

For Lucas, the programme’s different approach to learning has already made a positive difference. He said: “When I first started it felt weird being back in what’s kind of like a school setting, but it’s not, it’s a mix of different things – it’s a mix of fun, education, just general things you need in life and I feel better since I joined the programme.”

One of the biggest changes has been Lucas’s confidence. Previously reluctant to speak to people, he now finds himself having conversations with other participants and programme leaders every day.

He explained: “Before I joined the programme, I was very shy, I wouldn’t really talk to people whereas now, every day that I’m here I’m constantly talking to peers and the programme leaders, who are amazing. 

“In general, I now find it easier to talk to people. I find it easier to take phone calls too and just feel a lot better about myself.”

The programme has also helped Lucas discover a genuine interest in leadership. He said: “I have recently discovered through the programme that I like to be a good leader and the best way to do that is by listening to your team, not just taking in your own ideas and going forward with it.”

One of his highlights so far has been the group’s residential trip to Willersley Castle, where activities such as kayaking and zip lining gave participants the chance to challenge themselves and work together.

Lucas said: “We had an amazing time and spent it with lovely people. We all tried to push each other for better throughout the trip.”

For Lucas, kayaking proved to be a particularly significant personal achievement. Despite initially not wanting to get into the water, he decided to give it a go rather than let his nerves stop him from taking part.

He said: “My biggest achievement since joining the programme would have to be being strong enough to get myself into a kayak on the residential, I really didn’t want to get in the water but I decided you know what, I’m here to have a fun time, let’s do it, let’s get through it.”

With the programme still underway, Lucas is now looking towards the future with a clearer idea of the possibilities available to him. He explained: “Looking forward, my main aim is to finish the King’s Trust Team programme and then look to explore my options in firefighting or engineering, depending on which I decide suits me best.”

Reflecting on his progress, Lucas believes the experience has helped him become someone he would not have expected to be just six months ago. He said: “The King’s Trust Team programme in general has just helped me in so many ways and I thank them for it, because I don’t think that the person who I am turning into today would have seen this happening six months ago.”

For other young people who might be unsure whether the programme is for them, Lucas encourages them to take the first step and give themselves the chance to discover what they can achieve.

“I’d say do it, I’d say push yourself out your comfort zone, just get down here, have a good laugh with good people, they love to have a chat.”

He added: “Just have a look and if it seems like it’s for you and it could potentially do you some great things then go for it, strive, push, maximise your potential, do it.”