|
Young Heritage Leaders is a leadership training programme run by the National Trust in partnership with the Careers Research and Advisory Centre (CRAC) specifically for 16–19 year olds.
Through planning, managing and leading outdoor conservation projects, it offers participants the opportunity to develop team leadership skills.
The YHL includes the Institute of Leadership and Management’s (ILM) Level 2 Certificate in Team Leading. Successful participants will receive this qualification which is recognised within the National Qualification Framework. Participants will also complete the John Muir Discovery Award as part of the course.
The course runs over a six month period which starts with a four-day training residential with the National Trust and ends with a two-day assessment residential. Between the two residentials, participants will have to complete online learning with the support of a mentor and a period of voluntary work in their local community.
Whilst on the residential, participants will live and work together as a group and learn through a mixture of classroom study and outdoor conservation work. The second residential will include a formal assessment and a conservation challenge.
back to top
The role of the mentor
The mentor is crucial to the success of the programme. Mentors will be introduced to their small group of mentees (3–4) at the start of the programme and have the opportunity to work with them on a group exercise.
Mentors will also have one-to-one sessions with all their mentees, looking at focussing them on what they want to get from the programme and how to maximise the experience of their volunteering work.
Over a period of months, they will have email and phone communication with their mentees to support them through the challenges of volunteering and assisting them with an online learning package.
Finally, mentors have the opportunity to work with their students on a final real conservation challenge, and get the opportunity to celebrate their learning with them and other mentors.
Due to the age range of the participants, the role is subject to an enhanced disclosure from the Criminal Records Bureau.
back to top
What do you need?
An enthusiasm for working with young people and a willingness to help them develop.
At the initial residential, you will receive training on the YHL, your role and mentoring. You will also have the support network of the other mentors.
Time commitments
At the initial residential, you will be required for just over a 24-hour period plus travel time, including an overnight. You will then mentor your students over approximately 4 months, which will not take more than 30 minutes a week. Finally, you will be required for another 24-hour period at the end of the programme.
back to top
Expenses
You will be entitled to the reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses including, travel and subsistence and communication costs in line with National Trust allowances guidelines for volunteers.
Why get involved?
This is a real opportunity to enthuse young people about volunteering and the work of the National Trust. It is a chance to give something back and help to develop the skills of a group of highly motivated young people.
It is also the chance to work with people from across the National Trust and to share your experience of youth work, volunteering and conservation projects.
|
