Calder & Hebble locks help qualifications

THE new partnership of British Waterways and Calderdale College have teamed up with ‘Build' to offer accredited training at Double Locks on the Calder & Hebble Navigation.

This is to offer young people aged 16 to 18 the chance to gain a qualification in horticulture, using the area for them to gain knowledge of preparing land, shrub species and designing public spaces along the waterway, with the course running for six weeks.

Benefit

'Build' is part of Kirklees Council's Investment and Regeneration Service, an initiative which ensures that local residents and businesses benefit from construction development projects carried out in the area.

Rebecca Dent, Regeneration Project Officer for British Waterways North, explained:

"This is a great opportunity for young residents to gain great experience and recognition for their work. As we move towards the third sector we hope to increase the role of volunteers and it is important that they get the most out of their time with us. Accrediting the work they do recognises their achievements and can help them with future employment."

Free to volunteers

The course, which is free to volunteers, will be taking place two days a week and will be starting on 6th June. The drop-in session for those wanting to register their interest or just to find out more about the scheme, will be on Monday 9th May from 11.00am to 2.00pm at the Leggers Inn on Mill Street East. There is capacity for 10 students on the initial course and these will be chosen from those who attend the drop-in session.