Get Out More is now recruiting for Outdoor Futures,  a free programme for people aged 16-64 living in Keighley who are unemployed or out of work and are looking to return to work.  Outdoor Futures is a skills-based programme supporting people towards outdoor careers in the community.  Trainees will take part in skills development sessions, project visits, work experience and a Level 1 Forest school qualification to equip them to support community-based outdoor projects such as play activities, forest school and outdoor community development projects.  Trainees will receive one to one support, guidance and signposting to help them towards work and further training.  The 12-week course runs on Fridays between January to March 2020.

Get Out More’s Managing Director says, “The pandemic has underlined our need to connect with nature for wellbeing.  Outdoor community programmes like forest schools and walking groups are needed now more than ever for both children and adults.  We see a growing need for the kind of projects Get Out More runs here in Keighley, but there is a shortage of individuals with the skills we need when we come to recruit.  In our work we regularly meet people who have a keen interest in the outdoors, such as parents who like to play outdoors with their children or adults interested in bushcraft.  They see the work we do and are interested in getting involved, but don’t know how to turn their interests into paid employment.

This programme will provide trainees with the opportunity to develop skills in a supportive and fun environment. They will be able to put their skills into practice in real life settings, supported by professional practitioners and will leave the programme with an accredited qualification which is respected in our sector.  This programme will help to equip them with skills and experience to get on the work ladder and signpost them towards further training and employment.”

Outdoor Futures is funded by the European Social Fund and the Education and Skills Funding Agency.  It supports organisations in Leeds City Region to help unemployed people move towards employment, training or education

There are 10 places on the programme.  To apply for a place, please complete the application form (click the link for the form) and return it to Get Out More by 10 December 2020