CatZero : Youngsters Amazed and Inspired at DST

A group of youngsters involved in CatZero have visited the Defence School of Transport as part of a 12 week programme.

The programme which was designed for young people who are struggling to find work or access the training needed to prepare them for work is being run in Hull and the wider East Riding area in partnership with Def Log VQ Trust.

The programme includes a range of motivational activities to build up confidence and team building skills, health improvement sessions, qualifications, employer visits, job search skills, interview skills and CVs. At the end of the programme there is also a fantastic opportunity to crew the CatZero Challenge 72 Racing Yacht over a 10 day voyage.

As part of the employer visits segment, the group visited DST where they had the opportunity to view a wide range of armoured vehicles, this particularly impressed Danny 23 who said “ I couldn’t believe how many types of vehicles they have and they are all named after dogs.” The group also visited various departments in the school including the large vehicle workshop which annually recruits vehicle mechanic apprentices’.

The day ended with the group completing the schools Trim Trail, a purpose built obstacle course, this was 19 year old William’s favourite part of the day.

Jwan 21 said he had learnt a lot about what the military does in the local area and Aiden 19 said he couldn’t believe how big the place was and the range of facilities at the school. The biggest compliment came from 26 year old Dave who said ‘The Defence School of Transport isn’t just any old driving school.

Catzero Programme manager, Pete Tighe said “The opportunity to take part in a day of activities at DST was really a special event for us. The group were inspired and amazed by the equipment and the staff that presented it to them. The day ended in a work out on the Trim Trail assault course which literally was a breath taking experience.”

DST Commandant, Colonel Rob Peacock said, “DST is delighted to work with Def Log VQ Trust and support the young people going through the Cat Zero programme – it was a real pleasure to show them what we do and I think we learned just as much from them with their enthusiasm and positive outlook.