Fancy turning adrenaline sports into a career…find out how to get cash to do it

Adrenaline junkies are being given the chance to start a new career in adventure sports.

A unique training opportunity is being offered to increase the number of outdoor sports instructors in Denbighshire’s Dee Valley to meet rising demand.

Denbighshire County Council and Cadwyn Clwyd are contributing funding to provide subsidised training sessions on paddle sports, white water rafting and first aid courses.

Antony Fleming-Williams, aged 32, one of the owners of Llangollen-based adventure sports company Bodyboating, said: “The course is an amazing opportunity and offers fantastic value for money for anyone wishing to start or further their career in the outdoor sector.

“I would encourage anyone who wishes to further their employment prospects to sign up.”

For more than 250 job opportunities in the region see www.fish4.co.uk/jobs/north-wales

Mr Fleming-Williams, who lives near Llangollen, previously ran a cocktail bar in Sheffield and managed restaurants across the UK before moving to the area seven years ago.

He said: “It is a very exciting career. It is a lifestyle choice. I get to spend a lot more time outdoors doing things I enjoy. It is the best career choice I ever made.”

The course, comprising of six sessions, will offer training for new instructors as well as upskilling current qualifications.

Carolyn Brindle, the Council’s lead officer for business support & local growth, said: “The Dee Valley provides the picturesque backdrop to a host of outdoor activities.

“The coming together of tourism businesses under the Dee Valley Active group has enabled them to work together and see each other as assets to the area rather than competition.

“As the group further promotes the destination as an area for outdoor activities, they are mindful they need the capacity to deliver.

“These training courses offer those who enjoy outdoor sport and are looking for a career change the chance to take that all important first step.”

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The project was funded by the Council’s Tourism Growth Plan and Cadwyn Clwyd secured funding through the Welsh Government’s Rural Communities – Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.

Support and advice has also been provided by the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB.

Donna Hughes, Cadwyn Clwyd’s business partnerships officer, said: “We are delighted to have secured this funding to help individuals take the first step into a career in outdoor sports.”

For more information or to book contact Ceri Lloyd on 01824 712757 or e-mail [email protected]