Kayaks, Mountains and New Horizons: Students Take on Ireland
Level 3 Outdoor Adventure students have returned from an unforgettable two-week work experience placement at Killary Adventure Centre in the west of Ireland, where they gained invaluable real-world experience in one of Europe’s most spectacular outdoor settings.
The second-year students immersed themselves in a wide range of outdoor activities, developing practical skills and industry knowledge through sea kayaking, mountain expeditions, high ropes training and shadowing experienced instructors. The placement provided an authentic insight into the outdoor adventure sector, helping students build the confidence, leadership and teamwork skills that employers value.
Working alongside experienced professionals, the students had the opportunity to apply the skills they have developed throughout their course while experiencing the day-to-day demands and rewards of a career in the outdoor adventure industry.
Matt Sanders, our Public Services lecturer said “The two-week residential placement at Killary Adventure Centre has been a truly transformative experience for our students. Living and working alongside industry professionals in a world-class outdoor environment enabled them to develop far more than technical skills; it challenged them to become more resilient, adaptable and confident individuals. The residential nature of the experience fostered independence, teamwork and personal growth, while the practical, hands-on learning provided invaluable insight into the realities of working in the outdoor industry. Opportunities such as this bridge the gap between education and employment, preparing students for successful careers by helping them build the professional skills, industry knowledge and self-belief that employers are seeking. The power of outdoor learning lies in its ability to inspire, and this placement has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on our students both personally and professionally. We wish out students all the best as they begin their careers in the outdoor industry.”.
