Outdoor learning and adventure activities can build confidence, self-esteem and resilience. Providing positive role models and gaining life skills and new experiences through challenge and positive risk taking.
Delivering life-changing programmes, Outfit Moray is an award winning charity and social enterprise that has worked with over 16,000 children and young people. The difference they make comes by actively developing the potential of young people, their families and communities, through accessible and affordable outdoor learning and adventure.
One key part of the work they do is their EnerG Trainee Programme, opening a pathway for young adults in Moray to learn and work in the outdoor industry. To be a trainee, these young adults have been out of work, faced with challenges to gain employment and have none or very few qualifications.
Tony Brown is the CEO at Outfit Moray and approached for support towards the costs of National Governing Body award qualifications.
"We aim to provide these young adults with the opportunity to learn life skills in a working environment and gain qualifications in the outdoor industry. This funding would allow for one trainee to become qualified in basic paddle sports and raft guiding, to allow them to continue working and gain further qualifications."
An award of £207 went towards helping a trainee achieve 3 NGB awards; Foundation Safety and Rescue training, Paddlesports Instructor and Raft guide qualifications. Gaining these qualifications then enables them to have wider impact on the young people of Moray, being able to deliver water sports activities to groups of 8 for the remainder of their traineeship.
It was fantastic to hear about the impact the trainee programme is having, not just for the individual but also the extended reach they can now have.
"Initially selected for the traineeship due to barriers to employment, Morgane was our trainee instructor and she has been able to achieve her first nationally recognised qualifications, a stepping stone towards permanent employment as an Outdoor Instructor. From this she can continue to make a difference to vulnerable and disadvantaged children and young people by delivering paddlesport instruction and rafting."
It's exciting to know that this trainee programme is helping extend the reach in delivering activities to the young people of Moray, whilst furthering their qualifications and career. Well done Morgane and good luck with the continued path towards becoming an outdoor instructor!