We regularly receive information on a wide range of courses and training opportunities in Pembrokeshire and Wales wide. Whilst we can't feature them all here, we have selected some that may be of interest.

Click on any of the links below to see more information about the course.

Boost your chances of winning contracts

WCVA, in partnership with DHRinterim, are piloting a series of tendering master classes across Wales. These intensive ½ day skill-builder workshops will focus on improving the practical skills and knowledge of voluntary and community organisations in Wales working in the areas of health and social care, economic inactivity or worklessness.

The workshops are aimed at those individuals and organisations for whom tendering is not new; those who have undertaken a level of tendering activity and have identified a need to increase their skills and capabilities.

‘Structuring & Writing Competitive Tenders’ will explore tools and techniques to maximise your success in tendering.

• 21 April 2010, Carmarthen

‘Competitive Tender Presentations’ will explore how to present an effective bid and give an insider view into really ‘selling’ your tender by bringing it to life.

• 5 May 2010, Carmarthen

For more information, please see www.sustainablefundingcymru.org.uk/events   

Reaching Wider

Reaching Wider is a Wales wide project which aims to encourage and inspire people from disadvantaged communities to engage in higher education. Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire are covered by the South West Wales Partnership.  Rebecca Griffiths is the new Western Development Officer and she is currently looking for groups to work with who would be interested in finding out more about higher education.  Activities could include visits to a local university where taster workshops can be held for you.  All events and activities are free and transport can also be arranged.

To find out more please contact Rebecca on 07970 288075 or email r.griffiths@swansea.ac.uk.

New 8 week Counselling Course at Fishguard Community Education Centre. Starting after Easter.

To find out more about these courses contact Wendy Ore on 01792 602188 or email w.ore@swansea.ac.uk.

Countryside and Veg Growing courses

18/19 March Coppicing (Venue can be your community wood or Stackpole, to be decided)

25 March Tree Planting in East Williamston

16/23 March and 20/27 April (4 evening course) Vegetable Growing in North Pembrokeshire – venue tbc

17/24 March and 19/26 April (4 evening course) Vegetable Growing in South Pembrokeshire – venue tbc

6 May Habitat Management – how can you manage your community site, Pembrokeshire Tour

Please contact Sarah Diment at PLANED on 01834 862107 or email sarahd@planed.org.uk for more information.

Free 2-Day Education for Sustainable Development and Global Citizenship (ESDGC) Training Course

ESDGC with ‘Hard-to-Reach’ Learners – Use of the Outdoors

What – Do you struggle to see how you can engage your learners in ESDGC?

Down to Earth Project have found that using the outdoors as a learning environment; eco/traditional building, along with experiential hands-on methods and innovative non-formal approaches, can succeed really well in inspiring and motivating ‘hard-to-reach’ learners to engage in ESDGC. We would like to share these with you over the 2 days.

The training course will involve practical taster sessions of the activities and approaches we use with our learner groups, as well as a more theoretical understanding of how these work. There will be both group and individual reflection on how to apply learning to specific work contexts. 

Why – ESDGC is essential learning and all young people have a right to learn about, and take action on sustainable development and global citizenship issues. There are individuals and groups of young people who are currently excluded in terms of ESDGC provision. We would like to challenge this.

When –23th and 24th March 2010, 9.30am (start) till 4.00pm – a fine lunch is provided!

Where –Down to Earth Project’s 4 acre small-holding on Gower near Swansea

Who – For anyone who feels learners are ‘hard-to-reach’ when it comes to engaging in ESDGC, and would like to explore the use of experiential methods in the outdoors.

This training course will be delivered by Down to Earth Project trainers.

What else – This training course will offer optional level 2, credit value 3 OCN accreditation.

For more information - Contact Down to Earth Project on:

info@downtoearthproject.org.uk

01792 346 566  

Reach Young People Through Creativity

Small World Theatre has been selected by the Arts Council of Wales to develop, deliver and accredit a structured training programme specifically designed for professionals and supporters who work with young people (aged 11 to 19), particularly those who are underachieving and at risk of dropping out of education, employment or training (NEET). The aim of the programme is to enable your organisation to provide opportunities for young people to: address low self-esteem, build self-confidence and social awareness and help enhance skills such as collaboration, decision-making, problem-solving, self-expression, motivation and emotional competence.

Arts Workshops | Gweithdai Celf
Mawrth 15 - 19 March (10 am - 4 pm)

Giant Processional Sructures | Gorymdeithiau Cawr Fodelau
Mai 10 - 14 May  (10 am - 4 pm)
 

For more information Phone: 01239 615 952 / Email: info@smallworld.org.uk / Website: http://www.smallworld.org.uk

Practical Sustainability Courses

In early 2010 Shared Earth Trust are piloting a varied programme of practical skills and leisure interest workshops.

This programme offers excellent value courses, with expert tuition, set in beautiful surroundings at Denmark Farm, near Lampeter. 

For details and booking 

Tamara Morris

Denmark Farm Conservation Centre Betws Bledrws Lampeter, Ceredigion SA48 8PB

http://www.shared-earth-trust.org.uk/en/courseps.htm 

info@shared-earth-trust.org.uk

01570 493358

Pembrokeshire Mind is offering Mental Health First Aid Training.  The course, which can also be booked by organisations wishing to deliver this training to staff or service users on an in-house basis, is of 12 hours’ duration: four x 3 hour sessions.  For in-house courses the training can be run over two days or four mornings or afternoons and the minimum participants per course is 8 (14 maximum).

For a limited period of time, Pembrokeshire Mind can offer FREE places for unpaid carers on the course.  Free places are available for any carers, not just those caring for people with mental health problems!

The course costs £75.00 per person for the two days, and includes the Mental Health First Aid manual and all refreshments.

The cost for those wishing to arrange block bookings or in-house courses are negotiable – please contact Pembrokeshire Mind to discuss your requirements.

For the dates of the next course, or for more information please contact:

Maxine Ford or Lydia Price

Tel:      01437 769982

Email:   maxinepembsmind@aol.com

Web:    www.mhfa-wales.org.uk

Courses being delivered by WCVA in the Mid & West Wales area

Coaching and mentoring skills for managers - 9/10 March – Cardiff

Individual giving fund- 11 March – Pontypridd

Methods for involving young people- 11 March – Swansea

Making assets work- 17 May – Swansea

A practical introduction to human rights and equalities

  Date:             21 April, Cardiff

  Cost:             A - £125.00     B - £155.00     C - £185.00

This one day training course introduces human rights ideas, principles and standards and explores how they relate to equality and diversity in Wales.

The course is designed for individuals working on equalities issues in the third sector and public sector.  The course will enable participants to understand how human rights can provide a practical tool for tackling inequality and disadvantage and develop the use of human rights based approach in their work.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the core principles and standards of human rights

• Understand the key purpose and features of human rights legislation relevant to the UK and Wales, in particular the Human Rights Act
• Have a better understanding of how human rights relate to equality and diversity

• Have greater confidence in raising human rights concerns and in identifying human rights issues in their work

The course will be interactive with a mix of presentations, discussions, group activities and case studies.

 A – WCVA members        B – Voluntary and community organisations   C – Others

Advanced campaigning and lobbying*
Due to popular demand for this training we have added an additional date so please book your place now to avoid disappointment. 

Location:    Cardiff – 23 April 2010 -  New date

Cost:             £10 for voluntary and community organisations operating in Wales

This is an advanced course for people who already understand the  principles of how to plan a campaign and who are already operating at a relatively high level in public affairs, policy and communications  It will give participants opportunities to explore and practice different aspects of campaigning and lobbying, will consider different techniques and will give the chance to hear from people with significant practical experience of campaigning and lobbying work as well as sharing experiences in the group. 

* An advanced campaigning and lobbying course was run in the previous training season. This course intends to deliver the same broad learning outcomes as last year but the content and delivery have been refreshed to take account of feedback from previous participants.

Learning objectives:

• understanding of effective campaigning and lobbying techniques;
• increased confidence in trying new approaches;

• knowledge of best practice from across the sector.

www.voicesforchangecymru.org.uk

Contact helpdesk on 0800 2888 329 or e-mail help@wcva.org.uk

for further information including course content and learning objectives, or visit www.wcva.org.uk

FREE Community Courses

Why not give learning a Go?

The STEP Project aims to deliver quality learning opportunities with nationally recognised qualifications across Pembrokeshire. Classes are held in local venues and aim to help beneficiaries remove any barriers and gain confidence whilst enriching their lives and their communities through learning.

All course materials are provided. Classes include, Card making, Sugar Craft, Computers, Health & Fitness and First Aid.

For advice and guidance on course choices or for further information

please contact 01437 753 139 e-mail community@pembs.ac.uk

Support with care costs can be arranged by contacting Emma James or Jill George, Adult Guidance Mentors Phone 01437 753 191 or email community@pembs.ac.uk

Further information available at: www.pembs.ac.uk/step

MiDAS Training

The Minibus Drivers Awareness Scheme is based upon best practice and designed to help improve minibus safety, as well as enhance passenger service and comfort. Pembrokeshire Association of Community Transport Organisations (PACTO) offer MiDAS training (theory and practical) for £35, which includes a manual and certificate. Refresher training is also available for those whose certificates have expired (certificates valid for 4 years). Training sessions are held around the County according to demand. To accommodate applicants who also work full time, training can be tailored to individual needs. MiDAS training is available for Minibuses, Cars and MPV's. Minibus Emergency Evacuation Training and Passenger Assistants Training can all now be arranged by PACTO

For further information or informal chat please contact Cliff Richmond on 01994 240772 or email to Richmondc@btinternet.com

If you are looking for something specific that doesn't appear to be running locally or in Wales, email us and we'll look through the information held, or put you in contact with someone who may be able to help.

To publicise any courses you may be running please contact Louise Wilkinson on 01437 769422 or email information to training@pavs.org.uk