Two impressive Mongolian yurts are the centrepiece of an exciting new link up between City College Norwich and Eaton Vale Activity Centre.

The Sport (Outdoor Adventure) BTEC Extended Diploma is a practical, work-related course that prepares students for careers in outdoor adventure.

The course is unique in being able to offer students the BCU UKCC Level 1 Coach in Paddle Sport, the Climbing Wall Supervisors Award (CWSA) and Mountain Bike Instructors Award Scheme (MIAS) Level 1 and 2 training.

Whilst on the two-year course students develop skills, logbook experience and qualifications in outdoor pursuits, while at the centre they will gain invaluable work experience throughout the year and assist in delivering outdoor activities for some of the centre’s 24,000 annual visitors, including scouts and guides, schools and corporate groups.

In addition, the centre will take on six students as full-time employees during the busy summer season.

City College Norwich principal Dick Palmer said: “Combining classroom study in the on-site yurts alongside access to a full range of outdoor activities means that the students can spend more time gaining their instructor qualifications and getting relevant industry experience under their belts. This is a fantastic development that will really help prepare the students for successful careers in outdoor adventure.”

Richard Lang, operations manager at Eaton Vale Activity Centre, said “The real benefits of this partnership are that we are producing work-ready staff for local and national providers of outdoor activities.”

Outdoor adventure student Ryan Wiltshire (19), from Taverham, said “The yurts add to the outdoor aspect of the course much better than a modern classroom, and we’re right next to the water.”