Mary Finn, and 8 other outdoor professionals took part in what they have described as “a once in a life-time opportunity” funded by Erasmus+, designed and delivered by Galway based training specialists Landon Carver in conjunction with UCPA (Union des Centres Sportifs de Plein Air) and Action Outdoors.
The placements provided an incredible opportunity for VET professionals working in the outdoor industry and those involved in the delivery and implementation of QQI
Level 5 or QQI Level 6 programmes. This opportunity provided funding for 9 candidates to spend 30 days in Chamonix with UCPA attaining the knowledge, skills and competences required to develop and deliver their QQI Programmes in the future.
Most of all, the placements allowed the participants to develop and grow personally as well as professionally and provided them with a remarkable adventure and valuable experience.
ΜΆ“The Erasmus+ program is a top opportunity for Irish outdoor professionals to broaden their scope of skills & network to advance in this industry. I had one of the best months ever in Chamonix and I would encourage all instructors to try a programme like this at least once.” – Ronan O Keeffee, UCPA Programme.
This bespoke Ski and Snowboarding adventure provided the candidates with a practical enhancement of their existing skills which could then be transferred to their work places in Ireland. The participants had an opportunity to expand their networking skills and connections by meeting other instructors and mentors with similar skill sets and experience.
The whole adventure took place in Chamonix at the foot of Mount Blanc – with breath-taking landscapes and local tradition and culture accompanying the participants and their training on every step of the way. Candidates spent time experiencing the French approach to delivering outdoor adventure/education, which included aspects of working in the French Ski Centres as they shadowed UCPA instructors,attended the briefings and took on variety of tasks involved in running the UCPA Center. Everchanging weather conditions, wild mountain environments and a constant need to push themselves further made this trip an unforgettable experience for all the participants. Even at the preparation stage the level of excitement and interest in the programme was tangible with new applications and interested participants applying from all over Ireland.
“The Erasmus+ Programme was once in a lifetime experience which I am really grateful for. The experience helped me to look further abroad has reinforced my love for the outdoor profession.” – Mitchell Wait, UCPA Programme.
The Ski and Snowboarding Programme is one of a series of programs delivered by Landon Carver under the banner of CARVE programs. All the placements in CARVE programs are funded through Erasmus + and designed to enhance different sectors of the outdoor sector in Ireland. All the CARVE programmes developed by Landon Carver seek to make lifelong learning and mobility a reality for their participants.
Landon Carver strives to improve the quality and efficiency of education and training received by the participants on their programmes through fostering further learning, active citizenship and intercultural dialogue.
While on each placement the candidates develop a concrete plan on how they will use the obtained experience and skills to impact their own organization, and furthermore – their own region. Implementation of thisProgram Improvement Plan (PIP) will shape the quality of the QQI programs provided in Ireland.
“Ganied some really useful snowboarding experience constantly picking up new techniques and skills. I have constantly meet like minded people with whom I could share my experiences with. This work experience was a fantastic experience where I learnt some new skills, met great people and saw an amazing side of France.” – Ronan O Keeffe, UCPA Programme 2016.
Landon Carver designs, develops and delivers programmes like Skiing Programme every year. Outdoor and Adventure sports and activities are a true passion for everyone at Landon Carver which is reflected in the variety and volume of placements for the sector in the recent years. Among other programs, the participants had a chance to take part in Wind Surfing Placements, Mountain Biking, Sea Kayaking Placements and many more.
For more information, visit: www.landoncarver.com
Media Contact
Company Name: Landon Carver
Contact Person: Mark Toner
Email: mark@landoncarver.com
Address:Mayoralty House Flood Street
City: Galway City
Country: Ireland
Website: http://www.landoncarver.com/