How The Duke of Edinburgh's Award changed my life

In his own words: Jon Watts' story of his transformation from a young man in prison to one with a stable future, qualifications and a career, with help from The Duke of Edinburgh's Award.

Read about Jon's DofE story, in his own words

I left school at 16 with no plan or idea of what I wanted to do. I found myself getting into trouble with the law for various offences, there was a period of time that I was being arrested every single weekend. In January 2008 at 18 I was in court and I was sentenced to six and half years in a young offenders institute.

There I was, 18 and in prison. I tried to sign up for everything I could, it was that or face 23 hours every day in a cell. The local football club was running The Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE) and came to give a speech about how it could affect us. I was inspired and put my name down.

Taking the opportunity to do The Duke of Edinburgh's Award was a moment that would change the course of the rest of my life

For my volunteering I was a Listener – these are prisoners who are trained by the Samaritans and we were on call 24/7 for other prisoners to speak to confidentially and it was very rewarding.

For my physical I took part part in team activities like football and volleyball and this helped keep me fit.

Gaining new skills for employment

Working in the kitchen as part of my Skills section was going to give me a qualification I could use outside prison, and kept me motivated.

Being locked up in a prison meant we weren’t going to be going anywhere far for the expedition, so we camped out on the football pitch and took part in lots of teambuilding events.

The Skills section had the biggest impact on my life. I worked in the kitchen and had the opportunity to work towards an NVQ in cooking

After completing my offending behaviour programs I was able to move onto the semi-open part of the prison where I could be released for work activities.  The opportunity to work at one of Jamie Oliver’s Restaurants came along – I didn’t hesitate and got stuck in.

As 2011 came in I felt a massive sense of pride and achievement.  I had gone from a shy, lost young man with little hope to a man with confidence, skills and a motivated attitude to life.  Taking part in the DofE saved my life, it unlocked my potential gave me the tools to succeed

I worked for Jamie Oliver’s Restaurants for five years, I worked my way up from Commis chef to Sous chef.  In 2015 I started working for myself and offer a private chef experience for dinners and events.

I could be a million miles away from where I am now. But I am not, I am still a young guy with ambitions and dreams, I will be a success.

I love food, I love cooking, I love my career, I love my life. It is all down to my experiences with the DofE

I believe all young people, regardless of who they are, should take part and achieve their DofE Award. It truly can unlock your potential and help you grow into the person you really want to be.

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award celebrates its 60th Anniversary in 2016 - find out more about the DofE Award on their website.

Related content

News

The Royal Family and Sport

28 August 2024
The King meets the West Indies Cricket Team
Feature

The Earl of Wessex visits Malaysia and Australia with The Duke of Edinburgh International Award

The Earl of Wessex visits Malaysia and Australia with the DofE International Award
News

Holyrood Week 2017

06 July 2017
Feature

Remembrance 2016

The Queen and the Royal Family attend engagements to mark Remembrance 2016

A speech by The Earl of Wessex at Bath Abbey, marking the 50th anniversary of the University of Bath

We have much to be thankful for and much to celebrate

26 October 2016
Feature

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Diamond Challenge

Read about The Duke of Edinburgh's Diamond challenge, part of their 60th celebrations...
Feature

Receiving my Duke of Edinburgh's Gold Award at Buckingham Palace

Shannon's story of her day out to receive her Gold DofE Award at Buckingham Palace
Press release 28 October 2015

The Queen will open the Commonwealth Games

Read more
Press release 11 September 2015

The Rugby World Cup 2015

Read more
Press release 17 April 2012

The Olympic Torch Relay and Royal Residences

Read more
Press release 29 February 2012

Opening of the Olympic and Paralympic Games 2012

Read more
Press release 26 October 2006

Cancellation of engagement at Arsenal Football Stadium

Read more

State Banquet, President of the People's Republic of China, 8 November 2005

It matters to all of us what kind of country China's people will build.

08 November 2005

Golden Jubilee visit to Liverpool, 25 July 2002

I am glad to be in Merseyside, which must be one of the most distinctive and energetic parts of the United Kingdom.

25 July 2002

Adelaide Festival Hall, Australia, 27 February 2002

Whatever may lie ahead, I declare again here tonight that my admiration, affection and regard for the people of Australia will remain, as it has been over these past fifty...

27 February 2002