A group of Ayrshire Adventure employers and adventure clubs identified a need for routes for local young people to be trained and qualified to work in this sector.  LOST and Top Ayrshire have developed and are currently piloting a year long National 4 Adventure Leadership course for senior pupils at St Joseph’s Academy in East Ayrshire.

Adventure Leadership course, Vocational Pathways 

This qualification exemplifies a progression pathway through a number of adventure activities, working towards SQA Nat 4 qualification in Sport & Fitness and SportsLeaders UK L2 Assistant Lowland Expedition Leader qualification. Through practical and theory lessons the participants have the opportunity to experience a  variety of adventure activities. It is anticipated pupils will gain a keen interest in one or more of the individual activities and look to pursue it. The support will be in place to take them on the next step of the journey, through vocational pathways into the outdoor and leisure industry.

The leadership element of the course will instil pupils with confidence in a variety of settings, especially working with people. There are also strong links to sports coaching and development.

Furthermore, the N4 Skills for Work Award will improve generic employability skills for all participants, building on their leadership skills.

TOP Ayrshire has a network of Stakeholders working across the outdoor industry in Ayrshire who support the aims of this course and the long term objectives of TOP Ayrshire. The participants have regular inputs and sessions with these providers.  In this video clip pupils had the opportunity to visit and consider the management of the high ropes course at Craufurdland Estate.