A scheme that’s giving young people a year’s experience working in outdoor education will prove ‘invaluable’ as they seek work.
That was view of Tim Crookall MHK, Minister for Education and Children, as he welcomed representatives of Best Group International to a training session for eight newly recruited assistant instructors at Ardwhallan Outdoor Education Centre.
Ardwhallan, part of the Department of Education and Children, delivers outdoor education to school and youth groups, including those working towards the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and offers a BTEC qualification in collaboration with the Isle of Man College of Further and Higher Education.
Best Group International is sponsoring the Assistant Instructor Programme.
The recruits – Queen Elizabeth II High School students Kirree Radcliffe, Breeshey Bond, Peter Daniels and Callum Johnson, all 18, Ballakermeen High School students Thomas Walmsley, 16, Thomas Caldwell and Tim Payne, both 15, and Jack Rowlands, 15, who is home educated – were chosen at a selection weekend held in January.
Yesterday (Sunday) gave Best Group International founders Nathan Cafearo and Peter Adamson the chance to meet the eight and see them training.
Paul Melling, Head of Centre at Ardwhallan, explained that the teenagers – all volunteers – had already learned about running sessions on the assault course and low ropes, orienteering and raft-building at nearby Injebreck reservoir. They are now starting a Level 3 Open Award in Understanding Outdoor Education.
They will be taught archery, climbing, mountain biking, canoeing, yachting, water rescue skills and bushcraft and will receive instruction in outdoor first aid and child protection.
Some segments of the training give participants national governing body awards.
As they gain experience, the assistant instructors will help deliver sessions for youth groups in the spring and the adventure weeks the centre offers in the school summer holidays and help man the climbing wall at events. They will take part in residential trips to the UK.
Minister Crookall said:
‘Several young people who have volunteered at Ardwhallan have gone on to follow their dream of a career in outdoor education.
‘The invaluable experience the eight new assistant instructors will gain this year – both outdoors and in the classroom – will greatly enhance their chances of gaining work in this field when they leave school.
‘I am impressed that the recruits are making such a major commitment and am grateful to Best Group International for its generous support of the programme and for coming along to see the assistant instructors in action.’
Mr Cafearo, CEO of Best Group International, said:
‘Best Group is committed to opportunities for those with diverse skills and we are delighted to sponsor the Assistant Instructor programme at Ardwhallan. The opportunity to volunteer opens doors to future opportunities either socially or in the workplace. The experience gained from this course will inevitably enable them to progress and develop an exceptional skill set.
‘We wish all volunteers the best of luck and look forward to keeping in touch with their progress in the coming months.’
For more information about activities at Ardwhallan, email ardwhallanbookings@doe.sch.im, ring +44 1624 853711, or visit Ardwhallan Outdoor Education Centre on Facebook.
