High praise for UCLan Outdoors graduates

Graduate employability is a key component of the UCLan Outdoors programme.

As well as developing an in-depth understanding of the practical, theoretical and contemporary issues within the industry, students are offered a variety of real-world learning experiences whilst studying at UCLan which greatly enhance their future career prospects.

High Adventure Outdoor Education Centre in Keighley have recognised these qualities during the past few years, offering roles to a number of our graduates.

Tim Ferguson, Director of High Adventure, said: "As an employer within the outdoor education industry it's very clear to see the difference between graduates from UCLan and all the others from across the UK.

"There's no comparison between UCLan and the rest in terms of the professionalism, experience and knowledge they possess. They are better prepared and have a greater ability to enter the world of work within the industry.

"UCLan graduates always have a significant amount of outdoor education experience, they are always vastly superior technicians, have far greater teaching, instructing and coaching abilities and give you a warm reassuring feeling they really comprehend the outdoor industry.

"I'm given 24 seasonal staff to work with every year, and without knowing anyone's background I can always guess which ones are the UCLan graduates. They are always more knowledgeable, already part or fully qualified in some of the 'hard ticket' activities and always stand out as the better instructors."

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Scottish Winter Skills Enhancement

Our students recently tackled the Scottish Winter Skills Enhancement course as part of their studies. Two of the group - Hannah Smith and Jack Whiteside - have provided UCLan Outdoors with a record of their time in Scotland. Jack's video can be viewed above, while to read Hannah's blog please click here .

Students team up with BMX champion

Adventure Sports Coaching students and a BMX junior champion have teamed up as part of a mutually beneficial collaboration. UCLan Outdoor undergraduates Peter Haggan and Karl Doneraki are helping Ross Cullen with strength & conditioning and nutritional advice, as he strives to progress to the top of his chosen sport. After dominating the UK national series, Ross became a force to be reckoned with on the Euro circuit during 2013, consistently making A-finals. He was one of 14 young athletes from across Lancashire to be awarded a grant and support from UCLan through the 'Rising Stars' programme. Associate Lecturer Keith McGregor said: "Following the Division's recent link up with young climber Connor Byrne, this is another excellent opportunity for our students to work with one of the country's most exciting sporting prospects. "We're delighted to be able to assist Ross and hope we can help him achieve his ambitions of success at world level....

A number of the UCLan Outdoor team presented at the Adventure Sports Coaching Conference at Plas y Brenin earlier this year demonstrating the continuing participation of staff in industry Presentations included: Prof Dave Collins and Dr Loel Collins : Redesigning Training and Accreditation Systems in Adventure Sports Coaching Dr Howie Carson and Chris Eastabrook : Adaptive Automaticity in Adventure Sport: Contemporary Views And implications Sharon Rosser : Understanding successful aging through Nature Challenge Activities, insights from the older adult climbers, cavers and sea kayakers Dr Paul Gray : Using Social Interaction to promote, All good coaching is individualised Dr Helen Hooper, Rosemary Smith and Cath Wilson: Learning through sharing experiences: critical reflections of the experiences of three female outdoor instructors. Abstracts can be found here

UCLan Outdoors Division

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