SAM ROWLANDS, Member of the Welsh Parliament for North Wales, is backing an opportunity for over 16s to learn more about the art of tour guiding in Wrexham..
Mr Rowlands is supporting Groundwork North Wales who have announced Community Guiding Training in the Clywedog Valley.
He said: “I am a great supporter of encouraging people to learn more about their local heritage and I think it is a fantastic idea to be able to use that interest to share with others.
“As chair of the Senedd’s Cross-Party Group on Tourism I am always delighted to hear about any schemes which will ultimately promote North Wales and encourage more tourists to this beautiful part of the world.
“The course certainly sounds like an excellent way of gaining the skills needed to become a tour guide and is a wonderful opportunity for anyone enthusiastic about their area and its history.
“I would urge people interested in taking up a place on this new Community Guiding training course to apply.”
Groundwork North Wales have announced the launch of the course thanks to funding from the National Heritage Lottery Fund.
Ten fully funded places are now available for individuals aged 16 and over who live locally and have an interest in exploring the outdoors, learning about green spaces, or discovering the region’s industrial heritage.
This entry-level training, delivered by Wales Best Guides, offers an engaging introduction to the art of tour guiding, following globally recognised best practices while highlighting unique stories, landscapes and people of North Wales.
Participants will develop public speaking skills and build confidence, all while uncovering how nature has reclaimed sites of industrial heritage across the region.
Throughout the course, attendees will observe a professional guided tour, collaborate in groups to research and explore local history, and practice delivering a guided segment in a friendly, supportive setting. There are no formal assessments, but participants may choose to complete a personal audit and action plan, which will be reviewed with their trainer.
The training takes place at Minera Lead Mines over four weekly sessions, each lasting five hours from 9:30am – 2:30pm on the following Thursdays: 26th June, 3rd July, 10th July and 17th July. Upon completion of, participants will receive a Certificate of Attendance from Wales Official Tourist Guides Association, WOTGA.
This course also serves as a steppingstone toward professional guiding qualifications. Graduates may go on to pursue accredited Level 1 and 2 White Badge courses, level 3 Green badge training for regional guiding, or even Level 4 blue badge ‘dragon’ qualification, which covers all of Wales.
These advanced programs can lead to freelance opportunities and income as a qualified WOTGA guide.
To learn more or register, please contact [email protected].
