The Deputy Minister joined local pupils from Ysgol Rhostryfan for a dinghy sailing session on the Menai Strait. The pupils, aged 10-11 years, have been receiving sailing, kayaking and windurfing training over the past few months as part of the Watersports in the Curriculum Interreg 3A project by North Wales Watersports.

The Minister met with North Wales Waterports and Plas Menai to look at the role of vocational training schemes for instructors and other marine

leisure-related jobs, as well as the opportunities for school age youngsters to participate in outdoor activities to gain as much experience as possible.

The visit follows a ‘Watersports in the Curriculum’ conference attended by the Deputy Minister last December, organised by North Wales Watersports, which looked at the potential for greater local employment opportunities within the marine and outdoor activity sector and the importance of vocational training schemes, watersports activities and environmental education for pupils within the school curriculum to support local employment in the long term.

Amongst those meeting the Deputy Minister, were current trainee instructors undertaking 6-month courses to build their coaching skills in activities such as kayaking, sailing, powerboating and mountaineering. Arwyn Thomas, from Groeslon, and Anglesey-based Dion Roberts, are two such successful graduates of the scheme and now instruct watersports and mountain activities at centres across North Wales. Arwyn Thomas now specialises in powerboating and swiftwater training for groups such as the rescue services.

A Modern Apprenticeship in Marine Engineering through Coleg Meirion Dwyfor, has benefitted 20-year old Gary Julio from Caernarfon, who currently works four days a week at Plas Menai training to build and maintain the huge range of kayaks, dinghies, yachts and powerboat equipment used by thousands of activity participants.

Stuart Gibson, Coordinator of North Wales Watersports Ltd, has no doubt about the opportunities within the industry:

"By embedding coastal leisure, recreation and learning activity opportunities directly into the mainstream curriculum, the way of life of the region’s young people can be positively influenced to enable them to take advantage of the expanding marine leisure and oceanic science industries right on their doorstep."

Centre Manager at Plas Menai, Alan Williams, added:

"For anyone wanting to work in the outdoors, gaining as much experience as they can is key. The vocational training schemes, work experience and apprentice programmes are vital for the professional qualifications and specialist skills needed to work in today’s industry.

For further information, please contact Alan Williams at Plas Menai on 01248 670964 / alan.williams@scw.org.uk

or

Stuart Gibson at North Wales Watersports on 01248 679008 / info@northwaleswatersports.com