Young people gained valuable life and work skills on a training programme at Ardwhallan Outdoor Education Centre.
Thomas Walmsley, Jack Rowlands, Tim Payne, Bradley Ward, Arthur Bankes-Jones, Georgie Coop and Stephanie Ward took part in the assistant instructors’ programme, which has a new intake annually.
Ardwhallan at West Baldwin is run by the Department of Education and Children and offers individuals and schools qualifications in and experience of outdoor activities.
While on the programme, the assistant instructors helped run clubs, youth nights, iGCSE-and Duke of Edinburgh’s Award-related activities and events such as Ellan Vannin Fuels’ Adventure Challenge.
They gained qualifications and skills in delivering sports instruction, first aid and safeguarding.
Jenny Lantry, Chief Instructor at Ardwhallan, said: ‘Through the course, participants earn valuable skills that employers look for, as well as wider life skills.
‘For some, the course is the gateway to a career in outdoor education.'
‘Assistant instructors also enable Ardwhallan to offer a more extensive programme of activities throughout the year and let us accommodate larger groups,’ Jenny said.
To mark the completion of the course, the assistant instructors gave a presentation to its sponsor, the Isle of Man Masonic Charity.
On behalf of the charity, Keith Dalrymple, Provincial Grand Master of the Isle of Man Freemasons, presented the young people with certificates marking their success.
Tim, Jack and Thomas were assistant instructors two years in a row and now have the qualifications and experience to work at Ardwhallan, although they are currently completing A levels.
Steph, who is spending a gap year as a volunteer youth worker, and Arthur, Bradley and Georgie, who are all at sixth form, have completed a year as assistant instructors and can stay on for a further year if they wish to.
Ardwhallan will shortly advertise for 16 to 18-year-olds interested in joining the next intake of assistant instructors from March.
To register your interest, contact Jenny on 07624 375213 or jenny.lantry@sch.im.
For information on Ardwhallan, visit http://ardwhallan.im/
Photo - back row from left, Thomas Walmsley, Jack Rowlands, Tim Payne. Front row: Bradley Ward, Arthur Bankes-Jones, Georgie Coop, Stephanie Ward.
