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Into their second week of training, we say hello to Darcy – one of 15 individuals who is currently on our 7-week Trainee Instructor Course. Darcy is the ideal candidate – motivated, excited, ambitious and clearly at home in the outdoors. Having just returned from interrailing across Europe, where she visited 13 countries in 27 days - Luxembourg being amongst her favourite places, she explains that this programme is her ticket to working and living in her dream location - New Zealand.
Following her GCSEs, Darcy went on to study Geography, Law and Psychology at A-Level. The ultimate goal was to study Psychology at university and then delve into behavioural psychology, working with SEN kids around outdoor therapy. Covid impacted Darcy’s university plans somewhat but took her to many places, both in the UK and abroad, where she worked at various outdoor activity centres.
Darcy has always loved the outdoors and sport – growing up, she competed nationally as a swimmer and also working as a lifeguard. “Water has always been my thing but the climbing stuff is also really fun. I used to do these kind of activities when I was in Guides – Jacob’s Ladder and crate stacking. I feel like a kid again!”
“The plan is to complete the course, work at Rockley for a season and then hopefully travel to Ireland and work at a climbing park. The winter will either be working in Lapland or the UAE. In the very near future, I plan to be working in New Zealand. They require many of the qualifications this course offers, and, as they work by the same standard qualifications as the UK, this is just perfect for me.”
Darcy is really enjoying her experience so far and is already forging some great friendships: “We have games nights and watch movies and just all get on. There’s a certain type of person that does this kind of job, and no matter how different you are, your love for the job and the outdoors will always connect you.”