Matt Edge
After leaving the course having completed his SPA and ML training and as a BCU Level 2 Coach Trainee, Matt started working for Rock UK in one of their centres in Kent. Starting as an Instructor Matt was soon running sessions on his own and also helping to train some of the new staff coming into the centre. Matt’s hard working attitude soon earned him a promotion to Senior Instructor. This saw Matt managing the Instructor team on a daily basis and implementing a training programme to ensure the team were being trained to a high standard. Matt continued to develop his own skills as well despite living quite far from any rock, mountains or white water. His dedication to his own development saw him gaining his SPA assessment, BCU Level 2 Canoe and Kayak Coach Awards, GNAS (Archery Instructor), Pool lifeguard qualification, Pool lifeguard trainer/assessor status, 4 Star Canoe and Kayak training and his White Water Safety and Rescue training.

In August 2010 Matt earned another promotion to Development Manager. He now manages 15 staff and is responsible for all the on and off site activities, as well as closely working with the Centre Director in the running of the centre.  Matt is still pursuing his own development and soon hopes to achieve his BCU Level 3 Canoe and Kayak Coach awards and his ML assessment.

In Matt’s words.......
“The Intensive Skills Course was a great introduction to the outdoors and gave me the opportunity to be influenced by some very passionate instructors/trainers. This course will inspire you to get out there and do it but you'll still need to motivate yourself once you leave."

Jack Ball
Since completing the ISC course Jack has worked as an Instructor at Carlingford Adventure Centre in Ireland for 2 years. A wide variety of clients, from primary school aged children to corporate clients and special needs groups, provided Jack with valuable group experience.

In 2010 Jack decided to move a little closer to home and got a job with his Local Education Authority centre in Staffordshire. As Jack had gained valuable group experience in Ireland when he joined this new centre they were keen to help Jack progress with his qualifications. He achieved his SPA assessment and completed the new BCU/UKCC Level 2 Canoe and Kayak Coach training. He hopes to progress to his assessment by Summer 2011 and is also looking to do his ML assessment soon.

In Jack’s words......
“The Intensive Skills Course was great, but if I can pass on anything it will be not to slow down after the course. Although I gained valuable group experience following the course, I didn’t focus on continuing my own development. That has now changed and I’m working towards my assessments and looking forward to doing new things and passing on my experience.”