Young people get back to nature to survive the jobs market

NEWS RELEASE Release date: 6 July 2010 Young people get back to nature to survive the jobs market A GROUP of Coventry young people has gained a competitive edge in job hunting skills after undertaking a series of bushcraft courses to test their ability to survive in the forest using nature’s resources. Sixteen young people from all over Coventry and Warwickshire, who are on the NEETs (Not in Employment Education or Training) register, were given the opportunity to learn how survive in the wild at woodland sites in Coventry and Leicestershire. Here they were taught to overcome the basic life problems our ancestors faced in day to day living. This meant they had to source and provide food, find water, make fire, and build shelters from natural materials. The nine day workshop helped the 16 to 19 year olds to identify the transferrable skills they had gained during the programme and how they could turn these into employable skills for prospective employers to increase their chances of securing jobs. The combination of learning ancient and modern skills works very well together to give young people a rich experience, says Bushcraft expert Alex Hampson from Wild Earth who developed the programme and has been working on similar projects for many years. He said “Often young people find it really difficult to find jobs. Working in a different environment changes the way they think about things, and gives them an alternative perspective. The effect this has on their confidence can be quite amazing.” The course was run jointly Warwickshire-based Education 4 Conservation (E4C) and Wild Earth, in partnership with Leamington, Nuneaton and Bedworth Connexions. Funding for the course was provided from CSWP (Coventry Solihull & Warwickshire Partnership, and the YOF (Youth Opportunity Fund). Denise Taylor of E4C said: “The bushcraft courses are designed to give young people the edge when hunting for jobs in a tough market, which has seen this age group being the hardest hit in the recession with unemployment figures at an all time high for 16 to 25 year olds.” Throughout the bushcraft programme there was a focus on creativity and learning about the environment through music, art and narrative which is documented using multi-media. E4C Director, Denise Taylor, said: “All employers are looking for a range of skills and personality traits such as good communication, problem-solving, and the ability to work as part of a team. “The Bushcraft course is all about self-development and gaining confidence in their own abilities. Whether they are trying to light a fire in the snow or meeting new people for the first time the course nurtures what young people already have inside themselves. The course enables them to tap into this and look at the world from a different perspective, which will benefit them for the rest of their lives in all sorts of situations. The course has also given some of the young people the opportunity to mentor their peers, increasing their employability as they start to learn and demonstrate their leadership qualities. Brian Coffey, one of the mentors on the final course, had previously attended three other bushcraft courses over the past three years. He said, “I have learned so much on these courses, and they have increased my chances of getting a job. It’s made me realise that I really like working with young people, and I’m going to look for a job that will allow me to continue with this work.” - Ends - About Education 4 Conservation Education 4 Conservation is a Midlands-based social enterprise which provides workshops in environmental education through its Inspired by Nature programmes. It also works with partner organisations abroad, and is currently developing an e-learning platform called EnvELOP (Environmental Education & Learning Online Programmes). www.education4conservation.org About Wild Earth Wild Earth provides a range Bushcraft, Environmental Education and Music workshops that inspire children and young people and is aimed at unlocking their potential. Courses range from short workshops to 10 week intensive programmes. All work has an environmental theme and is aimed at developing individual confidence and self esteem, encouraging new perspectives on life, and fostering a respect for nature, self and others. Wild Earth works in partnership with many youth organisation, schools and community groups. Contact Details Denise Taylor, Education 4 Conservation Limited Tel: 01788 833232 / 0790 332 3362 Email: denise.taylor@btinternet.com www.education4conservation.org Alex Hampson, Wild Earth Tel: 02476 717822 Email: alexhampson1@ntlworld.com Press Enquiries: Gary Lillistone, Bridge PR and Media Services Limited Tel: 024 7652 0025 Email: garyl@bridgepr.co.uk

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