Apprentices from MidKent College visit Aberdovey
Date posted - 10 Feb 2011
February. And despite cold, wet weather, 20 apprentices arrived from MidKent College, a vocational training provider in the South East. These apprentices will go on to work for international companies such as Kimberly Clarke, Aylesford Newsprint and Delphi Motor Group.
The course stared with a bracing jog and dip and after a swift change back at the centre, the apprentices took on their first major challenge – Cabin’s Break In. During this project, the apprentices had to organise an expedition and stay in a log cabin including navigation, domestic duties and the pack and prep of their equipment. On arrival at the cabin, the apprentices had to gain entry by completing a maze task; this develops skills such as problem solving, leadership and various verbal and non-verbal communication strategies. The first day certainly set the benchmark for the coming week.
Some valuable lessons were learned as day two began, such as the importance of working together to meet a deadline and how individuals could affect morale and productivity of the group. With this knowledge in mind, we set off to Barmouth climbing venue to develop confidence, working team practices and experience another personal challenge.In the evening, the apprentices gave a presentation on the key skills that they had used so far, which laid a foundation to develop further skills for the remainder of the course.
Day three took us to the water front and a simple barrel rafting challenge called upon the apprentices to use all of the skills that they had gained so far. Despite challenging weather conditions, their team skills and ability to boost group morale had noticeably improved, meaning that the project was not only a success, but was enjoyed by all.
Operation Wild Country was the final challenge which the apprentices faced, which brought together planning and team skills and clear communication to make an ascent of Cadir Idris. Arriving at the summit, they were then challenged to construct a flag pole and raise the college flag before a well deserved tea and biscuit break. As the group descended from the crag, the views of the surrounding area were very much appreciated by the team and time allowed for reflection on the week’s events. A quick nap in the mini bus, an evening meal and it was back to work on presentations for the final morning.
After some peer feedback and a little coaching, the final presentation in the yacht club was a credit to both teams. They each demonstrated just how much they had developed personally and as a team and more importantly, they showed how their experiences would help back in the workplace.
Jen Steventon
Senior Trainer for Hunt Group,
Aberdovey Centre
