Two Herefordshire College students are preparing for a once-in-a-lifetime visit to Buckingham Palace after successfully completing their prestigious Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
Charlie and Will, who are both studying the Level 3 Public Services course, have been invited to attend the Buckingham Palace Garden Party and Gold Award Celebration next week in recognition of their outstanding achievement.
The Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is the highest level of the nationally recognised programme and requires participants to complete at least 12 months of volunteering, physical activity and skill development, as well as a demanding five-day expedition and a residential experience.
For Charlie and Will, the journey has taken years of dedication, progressing through Bronze and Silver before finally achieving Gold.
Charlie said: “The expedition is probably the best part for personal development because you learn how to be part of a team and how to look after each other instead of just yourself. You learn how to adapt and overcome challenges, and you gain skills you simply wouldn’t learn anywhere else. It helps you become a better person.”
Will added: “It was tough, but I’d do it again tomorrow. Completing Gold gives you confidence in your own judgement and decision-making. It pushes you out of your comfort zone, but that’s what makes it so rewarding.”
A major part of their Gold Award was a challenging expedition through Snowdonia National Park, where they spent five days and four nights navigating mountainous terrain, carrying heavy packs and walking up to 18 kilometres each day.
The challenge tested their endurance, teamwork, leadership and navigation skills, which are all qualities central to careers in the public services sector.
Will said: “For Gold, you’re trusted to manage yourselves. You still check in at set points, but by that stage you’re expected to make decisions and work independently. That trust helps you grow.”
Despite the challenge, both students describe it as one of the most memorable parts of the experience.
“We were lucky to have a brilliant group and great support throughout,” said Will. “Getting through it together made it unforgettable.”
Building skills for the future
Outside the expedition, Charlie volunteered at St Michaels Hospice café while developing his saxophone and snooker skills and maintaining his fitness through regular exercise.
Will supported younger cadets through Air Cadets, developed his cooking skills by preparing meals for family and neighbours, and completed months of CrossFit training.
Both students have now applied to join the Royal Air Force, where they believe the resilience, discipline and leadership skills developed through both their Duke of Edinburgh journey and their studies at Herefordshire College will give them a strong foundation.
Will said: “The award gives you confidence and teaches you to trust your decision-making under pressure. That’s a huge advantage for the future.”
Charlie and Will also praised the support they received from staff at Herefordshire College throughout the process, particularly Public Services tutors Kieran and Daz, whose encouragement has helped them to balance their academic studies alongside the demands of completing Gold.
When asked whether they would recommend the Public Services course to others, both were quick to answer.
“Absolutely,” said Will. “It’s fantastic…. definitely the best course in the college!”
The course is designed to prepare students for careers in the armed forces, emergency services and wider public sector roles, combining academic study with practical skill development..
As they prepare to polish their shoes and wear their cadet uniforms with pride at Buckingham Palace next week, Charlie and Will are looking forward to celebrating their success alongside Gold Award recipients from across the country.
Their advice to anyone considering taking on the challenge?
“You’ve got nothing to lose by going for Gold,” said Charlie. “It’s hard work, but the rewards and the memories make it completely worth it.”
Charlie and Will would like to thank everybody who has supported them whilst they completed this amazing achievement, with special mention to tutors Kieran and Daz and also to their parents.
Find out more about Charlie and Will’s course: HERE
Find out more about The Duke of Edinburgh awards: HERE