Seventeen-year old Joshua Scott, an Apprentice Accountant with Nottingham firm EBS, has his sights on gold in 2014, as he begins training and preparing for a four-day, 60-kilometre challenge for his Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award.
In July, Josh, who lives in Arnold and went to Nottingham’s Redhill Academy, and five of his friends, will trek and climb up to 18 kilometres each of the four days across either Snowdonia or Yorkshire.
Inspired by his father and uncle, who both completed the Gold Award whilst at school, Josh already has the Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award, which he completed in 2011.
With his sights now on gold, his weekly training includes three two-hour gym sessions to build strength and stamina, and one day training with his martial arts club.
“I had a great time and made new friends when I did the Silver Award, so as soon as I had finished that, I knew I wanted to do the Gold,” says Josh.
“Both my dad and uncle did the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award, so if they can do it, then so can I! I have been training for the Gold since last year, but the programme is much more intense for this year, with the four-day walk now only a few months away. I knew it wouldn’t be easy – and it isn’t, but I do like a challenge!
“The group is still undecided whether to head to Wales or Yorkshire, but either way the route will have to ensure we cover at least 60 kilometres on different terrains, eating and sleeping outdoors for the duration of the Award trek, and I can’t wait!
“It is a huge help that everyone at EBS is really interested in my training and goals, and very supportive,” adds Josh.
Jill Evenden, MD of EBS adds: “The Gold Award is an excellent target for Josh and we all think he is doing really well, juggling work, college, exams and his training programme, all of which is no mean feat. We all wish him the very best with his Gold award.”
Josh joined EBS Accountants in 2012 as the firm launched its apprenticeship scheme. He studies one day a week at New College Nottingham (NCN) Clarendon, where he completed the AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) Level 2 NVQ in 2013 and is now on the AAT Level 3.
