Training for volunteers

Training is often available for volunteers on the inland waterways. So if you want to have a go at something new and are worried about having the necessary experience, read on.

Volunteering gives people the chance to use their existing skills to help others – and also offers opportunities for volunteers to learn new skills, both basic and advanced. The new skills could range from the practical, to tips on how to engage young people in the wonderful world of the waterways.

Here are some examples of training schemes and volunteers who have benefitted from them:

Volunteer leadership skills

BTCV's one-day project leadership training courses provide sufficient information to enable someone to gain an awareness and understanding of the role of a practical project leader and the qualities a good leader requires. They outline the key responsibilities of leaders, including the techniques and skills required to help volunteers learn and enjoy themselves whilst achieving the practical goals of the project they are carrying out. They also identify the reasons for tool safety talks. The course is a mixture of classroom and hands on based learning.

Everyone who successfully completes a course receives a Certificate of Attendance from BTCV. An optional Certificate "Introduction to Leadership Skills" accredited by the NCFE (a national Awarding Body) can also be available to everyone who completes the course to a satisfactory standard. You can either pay to attend this course or volunteer (almost anywhere in the country) for BTCV who will support you with appropriate training. Find out more on the BTCV website.

BTCV are not restricted to volunteering the waterways but work with a number of inland waterway management bodies around the country.

Canoeing leadership training

Many canoe clubs around our canals and rivers depend on volunteers to run them, both in the management of the clubs and in the running of sessions on the water. Numerous clubs support their coaches through the British Canoe Union’s accredited training schemes.

Both skills and coaching courses are modular and you can take them as far as you want.

Angling Coaching

Many angling groups across the country encourage new members through events and education projects. These involve existing members coaching children. A good example of this is the Tring Anglers Junior Angling Scheme.

Tring Anglers has a run successful volunteer based junior angling scheme, specifically aimed at the newcomer and beginner, for over 10 years. In line with the club’s policy of constant improvement, two members have successfully undertaken the Professional Anglers Association Level 2 coaching qualification.

This intense course covers such topics as first aid, child protection, risk management, correct preparation and assessment of lessons – which means that Tring Anglers can now make full and proper use of the valuable time of both volunteers and students. The qualification also enables the club to reach a wider audience and link with local schools. Contact www.tringanglers.org.uk for up to date information.

Boat Skills Training

Volunteer groups who run trip boats or community boats want to ensure the best experience for their visitors. One way to do this is train the volunteers who steer the boats. These can be either through a Boat Masters License or through the National Community Boats Associations’ Certificate of Community Boat Management.

Volunteer Walk Leader Training

The Canals for the Community project is working in partnership with the Federation of Stadium Communities to deliver free Volunteer Walk Leader Training, endorsed by Natural England’s Walking to Health Initiative. Once qualified volunteers receive a certificate and can assist in leading ‘Towpath Trackers’ health walks around the canals of Stoke-on-Trent, or alternatively gain support and guidance to establish their own health walk group, a popular choice for those running local community groups.

Training lasts for one day and covers all you need to know to be able to lead a safe and enjoyable health walk. Topics covered include; the health benefits of walking, planning a good walk route, roles and responsibilities of a volunteer walk leader, an introduction to risk assessment and how to motivate new walkers. Training is delivered through a mixture of presentations, workshop style activities and a demonstration health walk.

For more information call Cassie Weaver, Canals for the Community Project Officer on 07827 083538 or visit the Walking to Health Initiative’s website at www.whi.org.uk.

These are examples of training available through volunteering organisations on the waterways. Many organisations choose to put their volunteers through the training either at no cost or a subsidised price to the volunteer. The training is usually available for anyone to undertake at their own cost should they wish to do so.