Adventure Beyond, an activity company based in Cardigan, has been operating in Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire for over 25 years. Jet Moore, the company’s managing director, grew up kayaking in Llandysul, eventually competing at an international level.
For the last two years, Adventure Beyond has partnered with the DWP, the Jobcentre in Cardigan and Pembrokeshire College on the Kickstart Scheme. The Kickstart Scheme (which has now concluded) was a government initiative intended to support young people aged 16-24 who are receiving Universal Credit to find employment through grant funded work placements in companies all across the UK. These six-month work placements would empower young people with essential entry-level skills and practical experience in the industries of their choice.
“Being from the area – knowing how beautiful and special the area is, I take real pride in responsibly showing the area to everyone,” Jet explained. “Adventure Beyond works with tourists, schools, and in TV. In all the areas we operate, we employ local young people to lead activities.”
In 2021, Adventure Beyond employed six young people through the Kickstart Scheme, with five graduating to full-time instructors by the end of their placement. Through hands-on training and mentoring, these young people gained a unique set of social, physical and communication skills and grew in confidence and self-motivation. Following this success, Adventure Beyond took on a second set of five young people on Kickstart placements in 2022 and the results were equally positive.
Through Kickstart funding, and DWP Kickstart team support, Adventure Beyond created brand new jobs that paid approximately £100,000 in wages to young people.
Adventure Beyond is committed to building local by employing and training local young people to become outdoor instructors. Thanks to Kickstart Scheme funding, Adventure Beyond has opened doors for its new instructors to continue developing their knowledge and gain qualifications leading to employment anywhere in the world where adventure is to be had. Michelle from Pembrokeshire College’s Employment Bureau remarked that: “Having met some of Adventure Beyond’s Kickstart Team before their placements started, it is astounding to see how their self-confidence and capabilities have improved in six months! These remarkable young people have grown so much – professionally and personally.’
Creating exciting jobs for young people is only one of the ways in which Adventure Beyond gives back to the community. Every year, the company invites not-for-profit groups to experience an unforgettable outdoor adventure. Many of these adventures are free or heavily discounted, with Adventure Beyond donating time or staff to these groups equivalent to approximately £50,000 annually. Scouts, Girl Guides, and local schools all have an opportunity to go on exciting activities, including multi-day activities with overnight camps. The company has also covered the costs of a new roof for the Scout Hall Boat House in Cardigan; ensuring the scouts stay covered and warm when having fun. Adventure Beyond often donates staff and equipment for local events so that the community can safely enjoy the great outdoors.
Environmental conservation is a core corporate value for Adventure Beyond and the company upholds this by ensuring that all its activities are carried out at the highest levels of safety and lowest levels of human intrusion into the environment as possible.
