Duke of Edinburgh Gold

Volunteering: Volunteering’s all about taking action and making a difference. You can choose the cause that means most to you. From coaching a local football team to starting a campaign, you’ll give up your time to change things for the better. It’s extremely rewarding — and it can give you the chance to experience the world of work.

Physical: The Physical section is a chance for you to focus on your health and fitness — and have fun along the way. Try something different or concentrate on something you already do. From yoga to gym, skateboarding to wheelchair tennis — almost any dance, sport or fitness activity can count. You can join a team or do it on your own. It’s up to you.

Skills: From coding to cookery, driving to photography – the Skills section lets you learn a new talent, develop existing skills and find something you love doing. If you’re interested in a specific field, this could be the perfect chance to do something related to it. If you’re interested in photography, for example, you could do that as your skill. You’ll grow in confidence and get a real sense of achievement.

Residential: It’s a big, exciting and fulfilling experience, spending five days and four nights away from home on a shared activity with people you’ve never met before. From learning to snowboard in Scotland to helping at a children’s camp, there are lots of exciting possibilities for you to get involved with — both in the UK and abroad. You’ll learn how to work with people from different backgrounds and build confidence staying in new environments. You may want to build on a talent you’ve developed in another section, learn something completely new on an intensive course or do something to help others.

Expedition: Your expedition will give you lifelong memories. With a team of friends, you’ll plan your aim, choose your location and do some training to make sure you’re prepared — then spend four days and three nights away. You can choose how you travel. You could do it on foot, by bike, canoe, kayak, wheelchair, sailing boat or even on horseback.

Completion of all the above sections.

Completing your Duke of Edinburgh will help you thrive in any career sector, it will give you invaluable skills and experiences to take into the world of work.

• Have amazing new experiences
• Find talents and passions you didn’t know you had
• Gain skills that employers value, which you can use on your CV
• Become more confident and independent
• Stand out from the crowd in college, university and job applications