Alice climbs the mountain

Outdoor Leadership BA (Hons) graduate Alice Mees left UCLan in 2013 to take up a new position at the National Mountain Centre in North Wales.

Alice took time out from her busy schedule to tell us about her time at UCLan and her new role: "I feel the course has really been a catalyst for not only my academic development, but also my development as an individual.

"Upon starting the degree I was quiet and lacking confidence. The degree provided opportunities to develop as an instructor, facilitator, coach, teacher and leader, through a good balance of theoretical knowledge and practical application of this at Tyn Dwr. The broad background knowledge I gained throughout the course has given me a great foundation from which I've been able to build upon and continue my own learning and development working in the industry.

"I now work at Plas Y Brenin, the National Mountain Centre in Snowdonia, as a Centre Assistant. This job involves working in all areas of the centre allowing me to expand upon what I learnt throughout the degree. Living in the heart of Snowdonia, I'm in a prime location for working on my hard skills such as personal climbing and boating experience, essential to the qualifications I'm currently working towards (which are also being paid for by the centre).

"Alongside working evening shifts, I get the opportunity to shadow and assist on a full range of courses during the day, building on the soft skills and facilitation theory which I studied at UCLan. I will then be instructing full-time after my induction period and once I'm fully qualified.

"I'm constantly surrounded by the most qualified and experienced instructors in the industry which provides huge learning opportunities in both hard and soft skills. Overall, the position is proving to be a fantastic springboard into the industry."

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