Empowering young people through Transport UK's partnership with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

Transport UK has been proud to partner with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award for three years now. In the past year alone, we have sponsored 473 young people across the UK to access the award, build skills, and prepare for future work. This includes 140 marginalised young people who got a Resilience Grant to help them overcome barriers and take part. This amounts to £4,400 worth of social value per person through better wellbeing and stronger community connections. We’re excited to keep this going! 

I have also personally volunteered as an expedition leader at a local Hampshire school for three years. I spend about 10 days a year guiding students through their Bronze and Silver expeditions, teaching navigation in the day and night and developing their teamwork. Thanks to the DofE, I’m trained in first aid and mountain leadership, which is a fun change from my usual day-to-day work at Transport UK and reminds me of my Boy Scout days. 

The last two years as Transport UK’s representative has included me visiting Buckingham Palace. Meeting Gold Award winners and DofE Ambassadors always inspires me to keep supporting the programme. Volunteering with DofE is incredibly rewarding, as it’s a chance to give back, boost young people’s confidence, and celebrate their achievements.