education & business 15


University makes a splash with sports and leisure


With its superb range of water sports activities and excellent facilities, Southampton Solent University is leading the way in helping students take up the challenge of a career in the fast-moving leisure industry, says Alison Dewar of The Business Magazine


year, he hopes in 2014 the centre will be able to capitalise on the trend for more adventure activities, and for braver souls he is already planning jetski awaydays along the Solent coastline.


Fletcher himself is a product of the University, having been on one of the early HND courses, and has seen the way the outdoor adventure and maritime-related courses have progressed over the past 20 years.


Left: Jetskiing is just one of the water- based activities on offer


Below: Taking to the water for a team-building day


He says courses have developed from very practical water-based activities through to developing the management skills needed to run a business, and that was in evidence at a special event in January, when past students got together with current students, industry supporters and staff to celebrate the anniversary.


2014 marks 25 years since the University launched its first HND Leisure Studies (water-based) course and since then the range of courses has evolved across different water sports, through to adventure and extreme sport management.


The demand for ever-more exciting leisure pursuits and the rise in adventure tourism is driving an increased need for both practical experience and management skills across many disciplines.


Ian Harris, director of Sport, Tourism and Languages at the University, has been driving course developments for the past 20 years. He said: “The industry is changing. Alongside core topics of outdoor education and recreation, there has been notable growth in areas such as bushcraft, adventure tourism, expeditions and adventure therapy. Modern lifestyles mean people want to get away from their desk and do something exciting.


“At the same time, it is no longer enough to be good at just one thing, such as sailing or windsurfing. People want to try many different sports and the industry needs to employ people with a range of abilities. That’s why our courses have changed to meet those needs.“


With a high proportion of employees in the leisure industry employed as temporary or casual staff, Harris says if students are passionate about the outdoors


Speakers included Jonny Crockett, broadcaster, writer and founder of Survival School, who was just back from driving snowmobiles and steering huskies in Sweden; together with Glyn Brackenbury, who bought into outdoor education centre Skern Lodge, after graduating from Solent in 1995 with an HND in leisure studies; and Pip Tyler, director of tour operator Neilson, who spoke about what it meant to be an award- winning business.


and want to make a career out of it, they need to gain important management, business and coaching skills.


“They need to understand about financial management, HR, health and safety and strategic marketing, all of which we include,“ he added. “Within the water sports arena, we are probably the leading higher education provider in terms of facilities and, given that 25% of the UK’s yachting fleet is based between Poole and Chichester, we are ideally placed for students and the wider community to take advantage of what we offer.“


As the courses have evolved, so too have the audiences, and the team from the University’s watersports centre at the Warsash Campus on the River Hamble, has been reaching out to local businesses, schools, colleges and the surrounding community to increase awareness of the facilities available.


The Royal Yachting Association (RYA)-recognised training centre


THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – SOLENT & SOUTH CENTRAL – APRIL 2014


delivers practical courses in sailing, powerboating, jetskis and kayaking, as well as theory courses in everything from navigation to VHF radio and diesel maintenance.


This summer, one of its big themes is corporate management development and it is promoting its water-based activities as perfect for teambuilding events.


Toby Fletcher, centre manager, said: “We particularly want to appeal to small businesses or teams within larger companies, giving people the chance to try taster sessions with jetskis or our racing keel boats.


“We spend the morning learning to sail, which is great because most people are at the same level, before having some friendly races in the afternoon. It’s a great way to promote the themes of working together, good communication, learning new skills and having healthy, outdoor fun at the same time.“


After trialling some teambuilding courses last


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“The event gave students a chance to hear about some success stories and Jonny in particular was very motivational, telling them the only thing stopping them from achieving their goal was themselves,“ said Fletcher.


In response to changing needs, next year will see the University introduce a new BA (Hons) Adventure and Outdoor Management course for 2015 entry, combining professional skills and practical experience as well as recognised qualifications.


With the waters of the Solent beckoning, this summer looks like being one big, exciting waterborne adventure for students and local businesses alike.


Details:


01489-556298 watersports@solent.ac.uk www.solent.ac.uk


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