Ambleside-based charity Brathay Trust is calling for young adults to apply for the Aspiring Leaders Programme (ALP), which aims to reinvigorate the voluntary and community sector in Cumbria and North Lancashire.
The pioneering leadership development programme is run by Brathay, the University of Cumbria and Common Purpose, supported by Francis C Scott Trust and a range of funders.
It takes an innovative approach to learning by combining formal academic teaching with experiential learning and personal development, aiming to keep talented young adults in their local area who can respond to the needs of their community and then work within them to make a positive impact, raising wider community aspirations, affluence and skills.
ALP is aimed at 19-32 year-olds already volunteering or working in the voluntary and community sector, and particularly those who may not have previously engaged with formal learning opportunities. Nominated by local sector leaders, candidates undergo an assessment process before being offered a place. The programme provides an inclusive and supportive environment, offering personal development, practical skills and a deep understanding of the third sector for those taking part.
During the fully-funded three year programme the participants take part in leadership and personal development workshops at Brathay Hall, attend degree lectures and seminars at the University of Cumbria, are assigned leadership mentors and placements, and gain work experience and run leadership projects. The course results in a Degree in Social Enterprise Leadership.
This is the fourth time the programme has been run, and the programme will begin in January 2021, having been delayed by the coronavirus pandemic.
Recruitment for ALP was put on hold in March and the intended September start date pushed back. With changes made to ensure that it can be delivered in a COVID-secure manner, the organisers believe it is now the right time to be re-starting recruitment, to support local young adults and third sector organisations in the area.
Andrew Woodhead, the programme’s leader at Brathay, said “We’re looking for people who want to make a positive difference to the community in which they live and work. They may not yet have realised their talents, had the opportunity to progress or even considered University as an option – but they will need to have passion, potential and a desire to bring about lasting change.”
Brathay’s Chief Executive, Godfrey Owen, added “The time is right for us to be supporting the sector during these really turbulent times by going ahead with the programme, helping to develop leaders who can make positive change in their communities. We’re now able to switch delivery between face-to-face and online, depending on the situation, without interruption to the students, and are excited by the fantastic response we’ve already had.”
The deadline for applications is the 6th of November. Anyone interested in the programme can find out more at www.brathay.org.uk/alp
