Schools, Education and Support

As well as our roles within the Nene Valley Railway (NVR) and the youth group we are also heavily involved in other forms of voluntary support. During our youth group’s work on Sundays we have a number of members who have done the voluntary section of their Duke of Edinburgh Award through us.

If you are interested in our support please do not hesitate to get in contact.

School Groups

youths5 We regularly have school groups coming down to do voluntary work which we are extremely happy to facilitate.

During these sessions pupils have not only enjoyed themselves but learnt a wide range of skills. As well as some of the more hands-on practical skills, students have been given opportunities to step back, assess a situation and devise solutions in real life scenarios that they would not otherwise be able to do in classroom environments.

We are able to provide work experience in two formats, either a regular half or full day each week for one academic year, or block work experience for a full week.  The students are usually in the age range 16 – 18, and the work available is wide ranging depending on the capabilities of the students.

Student work experience opportunities are now in the fifth year and currently involve the Oundle School and Prince William School.

Prince William School, Oundle have an annual voluntary week in which up to twenty students have volunteered a week of their time. In the past they have worked on The cosmetic restoration of steam loco no. 101refurbishing metalwork of the Brickworks Gondola system, and The 5 Ton Castle Bytham Yard Crane amongst other projects.

Students with learning or physical difficulties

plantersThe IRPS have found that working with students with these difficulties is particularly rewarding. To facilitate this aspect of our work we have teamed up with Stamford College, who bring students each Wednesday morning accompanied by a member of the colleges support staff.  This work is now in its fourth year, with the students doing three terms with us.  This gives the students work experience and teaches them basic work skills, while achieving worthwhile work on IRPS projects.

Rehabilitation

In conjunction with the NHS we have been able to provide opportunities for adults wanting to settle back into a working environment without the pressure that paid work would entail.  We have found this to be a huge benefit for all concerned.

nhs

Back to Work Schemes

We are able to provide volunteer work for unemployed people of all ages and skills. This work has helped a number of individuals gain skills and confidence to find further employment. With regular voluntary work it means CVs do not have large gaps in time on them.