18 March 2009: The University of Cumbria Newton Rigg, Penrith Campus, has today been announced as the Centre of Excellence for Outdoors in the North West.
Approved by the National Skills Academy for Sport and Active Leisure, the university will deliver the improved Outdoor Apprenticeship Programme which was recently showcased at their event in Cumbria. Employers from across the North West region joined forces to learn how to make their training budget go further.
As Centre of Excellence, the University of Cumbria will also provide short courses that meet some of the technical and delivery needs of the outdoor industry—from bushcraft practice through to safe high ropes operations for problem-solving.
Richard Lemmey, Head of School of Outdoor Studies at the University of Cumbria, says:
“The appointment of the University of Cumbria as a Centre of Excellence in the North West allows us to respond to the training needs of the outdoor industry quickly and to build upon the strong relationships we have with practitioners, researchers and other universities around the world.
“Our relationship with the Skills Academy allows integration of research with innovative practice which is built upon the strength of the relationship with leading practitioners. Formal generic qualifications often don’t cover the specialist needs of employers but our responsiveness can cater for their needs.”
Lucy Harrison, North West’s Business Development Manager for the Skills Academy, says:
“The outdoor sector is constantly evolving and the University of Cumbria is well placed to respond quickly to the needs of the outdoor industry. Our partnership will have a positive impact on employers and individuals in the North West and the University's Outdoor Apprenticeship is a government funded and proven framework that offers effective staff development.”
For more information on the National Skills Academy for Sport and Active Leisure, visit www.sportactivensa.co.uk