Three months ago many of the 24 youngsters, aged 16-19, were not in education, employment or training and, as such, classified as NEETs (Not in Education, Employment or Training).

But they signed up for "Get on Track", the ground breaking initiative run by Holmes’s charity, the Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust (DKHLT).

Launched in October 2009, Get on Track, uses elite level athletes to mentor and inspire young unemployed people not to give up on themselves but to try volunteering, work placements or employment opportunities through a series of events which build teamwork and confidence and encourage leadership skills.

Previous courses were held in Knowsley, Liverpool and Reading but this was the first to be held in the capital.

During the course the students helped renovate the garden of St Giles Trust, a charity in Camberwell, South London which helps offenders and disadvantaged people with housing, training and employment.

The group planted cuttings, installed picnic benches and parasols and cleaned up the mezzanine area.

They also took part in Millwall Football Club’s Holiday Play Scheme, helping to coach and encourage kids aged between 7 and 10.

And in one final challenge all 24 had to face a Dragon’s Den panel of directors at Morgan Hunt, the recruitment firm which sponsors the Get on Track programme.

Each candidate had to deliver a three minute presentation to the Dragons on why they, rather than anyone else, should be employed.



Throughout the programme elite level athletes, who know what it’s like to face difficult challenges and overcome them, are on hand to support and encourage participants and help make them "fit" for employment.

"It’s about engaging disadvantaged young people to give them a personal development programme which gives them skills to improve confidence and self belief," said Dame Kelly after presenting the awards.

"I love to see people get the best out of their life.  I really love this programme.

"Mentoring is key because they have instant respect which is different from the teacher and the parent."

Adam Whitehead, a former Commonwealth and European swimming champion, and one of the mentors on the Get on Track programme, said: "It’s the most meaningful project we mentors do. 

"You see big changes in the young people. 

"They make massive leaps forward and that’s really rewarding for me as a person and for the young people on the project."

Whitehead explained one of the main differences between the beginning and end of the course is a change in self esteem and self belief. 

"It may have been the first time people have spent a bit of time with them," he said.

All 24 participants have been offered work placements, apprenticeships or the chance to go back into education or to college.

In total 80 youngsters have passed through Get on Track since its launch 11 months ago.