PUPILS ATTENDING A MORAY SCHOOL have been given the opportunity to learn about entrepreneurship as part of a week-long outdoor education expedition.
The pupils from Keith Grammar School were joined by those from Dumbarton Academy in the expedition hosted by Moray-based Whisky and Gin producers Chivas Brothers and the Outward Bound Trust.
As part of the trip, the pupils attended The Outward Bound Trust’s Loch Eil Centre where they participated in a wide range of challenging outdoor learning activities from Canoeing to Gorge Walking – and received expert advice from three Chivas Brothers’ employees on preparing for the world of work.
Throughout the trip, Chivas Brothers’ Employee Ambassadors Alastair Combe, Anita Hodge and Scott Edwards worked with the young people to develop their skills, bolster their confidence and expand their CV.
The Ambassadors also supported Outward Bound instructors to introduce participants to the notion of entrepreneurship and provided an insight into what it’s like to work for an international company.
Employee Ambassador Anita Hodge said: “It was such a fantastic experience – all of the students gave 100% during each challenge and it was great to see them grow in confidence throughout the week.
“For the first task we had was to jump off a jetty into the loch and swim out to a platform and back, then we participated in canoeing, gorge walking and even a traverse across a small river on site.
“Each activity really helped to inspire the young people to adopt more entrepreneurial qualities by strengthening their ability to use their own initiative to overcome challenges. On top of that, we were on hand every step of the way to help inspire them and provide practical advice into working life and the skills they should develop to thrive.”
Over the last five years, Chivas Brothers and The Outward Bound Trust have helped to support more than 200 young people by delivering annual outdoor learning experiences designed to support young people to become more resilient and motivated to succeed.
Martin Davidson, Director of Scotland and Innovation at The Outward Bound Trust, said: “The Outward Bound Trust has been working in partnership with Chivas Brothers since 2012 and it was fantastic to welcome a new intake of students to the centre again this year.
“By participating in the Outward Bound course, they were able to face new challenges and improve their skills in teamwork and communication to help them feel more prepared for the future
“In addition, with the support of their Employee Ambassadors, the young people were inspired to adopt entrepreneurial thinking to help them thrive at school, in the workplace and in life. Chivas Brothers’ support is invaluable in helping young people across Scotland become more effective and confident in their ability to achieve anything they set out to do.”
Jennie Norrish, Global Communications Director at Chivas Brothers, added: “We are really proud of the work we do to support those in our communities whether that’s through the hard work of our employee volunteers or through our many fundraising programmes.
“The Outward Bound Trust is an inspiring organisation that offers real impact and develops the skills of the next generation, and we’re pleased to have supported hundreds of local young people over the past five years.”
The Outward Bound Trust is an educational charity that uses the outdoors to help equip young people with valuable transferrable skills.