Twelve young people have successfully completed a two week ‘Get into Rural Skills” course at Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. They were awarded certificates following an awards ceremony with Welsh Rugby International Dan Lydiate at the National Park Visitor Centre, Libanus, Brecon. The celebratory ceremony marks the end of the first recruitment process for the two year partnership project run by the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority and The Prince’s Trust Cymru.
Twelve potential participants were selected at an initial taster day in August and went on to complete the course which included a range of practical work days at locations around the park including the Glyn-neath Gunpowder works, Llyn y Fan and at the National Park Visitor Centre. All twelve participants also completed an accredited Brushcutter course and helped with tasks at the annual Summer Fayre.
The project, which is 80% funded by Arwain (Powys Rural Development Plan LEADER), is aimed at engaging young people who are not currently fully employed and provides them with a chance to experience and understand the opportunities available in the local environmental heritage sector. The scheme focuses on supplying training and gaining vocational experience and skills.
At the celebratory ceremony which took place on Friday 1st September 2017 at the National Park Visitor Centre the participants each spoke separately about how they had benefitted from the scheme and were presented with a certificate from Welsh Rugby International Dan Lydiate.
Following the ceremony, six of the group were selected to take part in the ‘Get into the Bannau Brycheiniog’, three month traineeship. Those who were unsuccessful will work with progression mentors to help with finding future employment.
Mel Doel, Chairman of the National Park Authority said; ‘This is a great partnership scheme that helps local youngsters gain vital skills and find future employment. We would like to thank and congratulate all the participants who took part and assisted us at Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. It has been inspirational to listen to their personal stories and the positive impact this scheme has had on them. We wish them all every success in the future and look forward to having six of them work with us over the next three months’.
Rhian Mathias, Head of Enterprise and Employment at The Prince’s Trust Cymru said, “The first Get into Rural Skills programme has been a great success, and testament to the ongoing partnership between The Prince’s Trust and Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. By working together on this programme, we hope to continue breaking down the many barriers facing many young people in the local area.”
The recruitment process for the next ‘Get into the Bannau Brycheiniog’ scheme will start in February 2018. Participants need to be between 18-30 years old, living in Powys and either unemployed or working under 16 hours. An enthusiasm for and interest in working outdoors in land management is essential.
ENDS