Tag Archives: Welsh

News

Leading independent school onboard with epic climate change expedition

A LEADING independent school is onboard with an epic climate change research expedition.

Ysgol St Gerard in Bangor has shown its support for Ingrid Lewis as she joins a team taking on up to 4,000 nautical miles as part of the Ocean Warrior data gathering project in the Arctic Circle this September.

The former Colwyn Bay Town Centre Manager and a group of scientists, journalists, naturalists, and filmmakers will be led by renowned explorer Jim McNeill.

St Gerard’s is among the sponsors to have donated £1,000 to Ingrid’s campaign to join one of the 10-day explorations aiming to install and test scientific and technological equipment such as weather stations, bathymetry (depth of water) measurements, communications, and safety. Additionally, an online dashboard will be created to convey the findings and capture stories digitally.

“I would like to thank St Gerard’s and all of the sponsors for their support,” said Ingrid, from Bangor.

“I’m so thrilled to be a part of something which is wholly worthwhile, climate change is the defining issue of our time, and we are at a critical moment.”

She added: “Qualifying for the Ocean Warrior project entailed navigating rough terrain over two challenging days on Dartmoor in gruelling weather conditions.

“Seven hopeful expeditioners including myself were supported by professional instructors who set additional challenges enroute, testing us to our limits – I am excited to be one of those chosen, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Jim thanked organisations backing their challenge and said: “I am delighted to have Ingrid onboard for this extraordinary expedition. To me, it is vital that we use ordinary people from all walks and many nations to show that humanity can do something positive in this time of global crisis.

“The oceans are so vital to our very existence and Ocean Warrior will put a better figure on the pulse in areas seldom visited, if at all by scientists. Please join our Ocean Warrior Community and follow the human stories of all the participants like Ingrid.”

St Gerard’s headteacher Campbell Harrison added: “As a school steeped in history with close maritime connections given our location, we are pleased to be able to support Ingrid and Ocean Warrior with their challenge.

“Nurturing and teaching future generations on the value of our environment is so important, it’s vital we take better care of the world we live in and projects like this go some way to doing it – good luck to you all.”

For more news and information from St Gerard’s School Trust, visit www.st-gerards.org.

To support the Ocean Warrior project, visit the website: www.warrior-ocean.com.

News, Wales News

Minister for Economy meets Jobs Growth Wales + learners at ACT!

Vaughan Gething, Wales’ Minister for Economy, was greeted by staff and learners at ACT’s Cardiff headquarters. The MS saw the Welsh Government’s flagship Jobs Growth Wales + (JGW+) programme being carried out, at the leading training and education provider’s Ocean Park House centre.

He observed hands-on learners, who were simulating real workplaces, and spoke to staff, during his visit on Tuesday, August 23. With specialist equipment, Care learners took part in mock working environments, giving them a taste of careers in childcare and adult care. This included making play areas safe from dangerous items and choking hazards. They were challenged to remove harmful items from a sandpit, after which they told the Minister of their plans for the future.

Some learners, in the Engagement group, were busy working on budgeting and managing money, in preparation for when they become employed. They discussed how they could balance money for food, rent, internet and car payments, with Mr Gething.

Mock interview sessions were also held with the World of Work learners and guidance was given on CVs. Learners told the Minister that they’d like to work in such sectors as physiotherapy and construction, after they complete courses on the JGW+ programme.

Vaughan Gething said: “It’s always great to call into ACT, to see and understand what they’re doing to help learners on their journey. That’s not just about qualifications, it’s about understanding the different challenges they’ll have in life to get to this point, but also in the wider world of work.”

He added: “I’m really impressed to meet people here, to understand the choices they’re making to take care of themselves and to invest in their own futures.”

Richard Spear, ACT’s Managing Director, said: “It was great to welcome the Minister to ACT and show him how the Welsh Government’s investment in the JGW+ programme is changing lives. We offer our learners flexible and specialist support to tackle any barriers they face. Our learners have fun whilst improving their skills, and they participate in exciting enrichment experiences that help them grow personally and professionally.”

He added “As always, the Minister engaged our learners with interest and passion and inspired them on their learning journeys.”

The JGW+ programme is tailored to each individual learners’ need, whether they’re unsure on what to do next, or have a clear focus.

To find out more about JGW + and other opportunities available at ACT, please visit www.acttraining.org.uk.