WORK ADVENTURES

Mar 26 2008 by Sue Scott, Evening Gazette

A TEESSIDE community project is leading the way in filling a skills shortage in the outdoor industry.

The West View Project in Hartlepool is working along with Jobcentre Plus and Hartlepool Council to help unemployed young people in the area become qualified adventure leaders.

After finding it difficult to recruit skilled staff to lead adventure activity projects for local children, and learning many other employers were facing similar problems, they set up an ‘Adventure Traineeship’ funded by the Department for Work and Pensions’ Deprived Areas Fund (DAF) to help fill the openings.

The scheme provides intensive support for small groups of unemployed young people, the majority of whom were previously low academic achievers.

They were in paid employment with the project whilst gaining a range of professional qualifications and experience to help them compete for jobs in the sector.

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The scheme has been hailed a resounding success by the first six young people to have taken part.

Since it began in August 2007 one has chosen to enter further education and five have been offered jobs, including as a kayak instructor, a sailing coach abroad and as a children’s activity worker.

Daniel Bebb, who is now employed by the largest outdoor activity organisation PGL said: “I was happy signing on the dole before and didn’t think there was a job out there for me.

“I’m delighted I can now get paid for doing something I love, and have done as a hobby for a long time.”

Ashleigh Mandry, who is working as a children’s activity worker said: “I love the team building and working with the children so landing a job as a children’s activities leader is perfect for me.

“I would never have got the job without the experience I gained at West View,” she added.

Matthew Blanchard, training manager for the West View Project said: “The Government has said that all children and young people should be able to access outdoor pursuits, but the industry can only grow if suitably qualified and skilled staff are available to support it.

“We’re delighted to work with Jobcentre Plus and come up with a training scheme that meets our needs whilst giving something back to the local community.

“Equipping our recruits with such a unique combination of skills means they’ll clearly be in demand when they come to looking for employment.”