Oatridge College - Oatridge Ranger Service
The Oatridge Ranger Service was launched in 2009 in direct response to concerns expressed by industry liaison groups that some people leaving colleges and universities with academic qualifications in countryside and environmental management lacked project management, practical and “people skills”.
Every environment and countryside management student at National Certificate, Higher National Certificate and Higher National Diploma level) has been actively involved in volunteering during the 2010-11 academic year through membership of the Oatridge Ranger Service. A total of 47 students have been involved in the project.
The Oatridge Ranger Service student committee manages the project and duties rotate among the students in order to offer different perspectives when identifying, initiating, planning, resourcing and implementing projects. In all instances the students are responsible for identifying sources and applying for any necessary funding. They are also expected to engage with relevant individuals, communities and organisations throughout any project to ensure that outcomes meet with widespread acceptance. The students also ran free family fun days on-campus.
The experience of working with new people and solving real life problems cannot be taught academically and so the opportunity to do so in a relatively safe environment has reinforced the students’ understanding of what is expected in the real world and has focused minds on the skills and knowledge required for the various tasks. The project has encouraged team working and the students have, in effect, learnt how to teach one another. Tutors have adopted a hands-off approach, only stepping in when asked as a last resort, and this has helped to build confidence among the students.
By providing an opportunity for the practical application of skills and theory learned in the classroom, the experience of working on projects on and off-campus has been invaluable in preparing the students for the world of work.