Deeside College - Apprentices
Date posted - 15 April 2010
New clients Deeside College recently sent a group of students from their 'Pathway's to Apprenticeships' programme, to The Outward Bound Trust's Aberdovey Centre.
The core focus of the College programme was to prepare and guide their students towards future apprenticeship placements. The course at Outward Bound was aimed to assist the students with this transition, by delivering a programme with high expectations and objectives. Reviews and discussions were steered towards recognising and understanding ways for the students to perform to a high standard in the workplace.
The course began with a very punchy, energetic PT session, followed immediately by jog and dip. This helped to 'set the bar' for the week and the students very quickly began to understand what we were expecting of them. The remainder of the first day for the 'Tenzing group' consisted of a number of team-orientated sessions with short, sharp reviews following each one.
Learning models were introduced including The Learning Cycle and Passenger/Prisoner (visual theories identifying and highlighting effective team skills). These themes were held consistent throughout the week. Soon after, the learning model Task vs Process was also introduced, which the group used to their benefit.
For myself and for the students the highlight of the course (and therefore my main motive for blogging) are the events of day three - 'Operation Wild Country', which the group had carefully planned the previous evening. They were issued with a written brief and some additional guidelines and set to work. The group's planning involved them confirming a suitable route from a drop off point - to arrive at a set time at a rendezvous point along with two other Deeside groups - to then descend to a pick up point at a specified time.
Team Tenzing also discussed and designated some effective team roles for the task, which included time keeper, navigator, motivator, safety manager and co-ordinator. As part of their brief, the group were also introduced to the learning model Task Vs Process (explaining how the emphasis of the day was on the team and the way it operated, rather than on successful completion of the task. Naturally, if the 'process' leading up to the task was smooth and efficient, then the task would be a likely success anyway).
So once planned, the group set off and began walking along their planned route. They were mindful to keep their team roles at the forefront of their minds and remember to ensure that all roles were being consistently filled. The team had been advised of the weather (grim) and even though the beginning of the task was at low-level, the forecast appeared inaccurate. As the day went on and the group walked higher and higher toward the summit of Tarren Hendre, the poor conditions became more apparent. The wind increased, heavy rain developed and the group noticed patches of snow on the ground. The conditions worsened by the minute and on the ascent of the ridge to Tarren Hendre proper; Tenzing team were met by winds gusting 60mph, intermittent snow blizzards and snow drifts on the ground of up to 3ft deep. As an instructor, these were the worst conditions I had been out in for a long time, and certainly the worst I had ever been out in with a group. I waited for the moaning and the complaining to start and the requests for 'Can we turn around now?' But they never came. In my own mind I was constantly risk assessing the situation and debating the benefits of continuing. But the students were relentless and as a group of people, as an Outward Bound team and as individuals, they well and truly 'pulled it out the bag'. Moving as quickly as they could and staying very close together for support, the group battled on through the harsh environment, tirelessly and without fuss. They checked up on one another's condition and well-being frequently and persisted with their tenacity. The determination and strong-will of these individuals was like nothing I had witnessed before. In monitoring them closely from the back of the group, there was little doubt in my mind that it was the correct decision to allow the group to continue and not to suggest a retreat. The team stood on the summit of Tarren Hendre (albeit very briefly) and held the Deeside College flag with smiles on their faces. We took a photograph for proof and for satisfaction.
The sheer determination these young people displayed in 'the eye of the storm' and the way in which they handled themselves through very challenging circumstances was amongst the most inspirational and refreshing things I have ever witnessed and it was a pleasure for me to be able to oversee and witness their success and their pride. I have no doubt that every individual was able to go to bed that night with an enormous sense of very real achievement and a huge boost to their self-confidence. For me as an Outward Bound instructor, courses such as these remind me that the things we do and the values we work hard to promote really do make a difference to people.
A truly remarkable day and a very successful Outward Bound Course.
Jon Cholakian, Trainer
The Outward Bound Trust, Aberdovey Centre
