Professional Development Partnership

CDW / Steps in Time will facilitate partnerships between trainees and supervisors in the community dance profession with a view to creating a new level of quality training opportunity in Wales. CDW will support the scheme with both financial and managerial assistance.

Benefits for the trainee - An Opportunity To:

Undertake a structured programme of professional development
Increase self confidence and independence
Acquire new skills in a supportive and practical environment
Receive 'on the job' training from professional practitioners on a one-to-one basis
Gain hands-on experience
Extend network of contacts in the profession

Benefits for the supervisor - An Opportunity To:

Share skills & experiences
Develop mentoring, advisory and counselling skills
Reflect on good practice
Work with a committed and enthusiastic trainee
Assist in the development of quality training opportunities for community dance in Wales

How it works:

Potential supervisors can contact CDW to offer a professional development partnership
Potential trainees can ask to be matched with a supervisor
A supervisor and trainee can approach CDW together to facilitate an identified professional development partnership
CDW may approach a potential supervisor or trainee to suggest a professional development partnership

Procedure:

CDW will facilitate a discussion between the trainee and supervisor to agree the aims and objectives and ensure all parties have a clearly agreed agenda
CDW will help structure a carefully planned timetable of experiences to fulfil the stated objectives
A clear framework will be put in place to ensure careful monitoring and evaluation of the trainee's progress and development

Work placement timetable should include the following elements:

Shadowing the work of the supervisor, during both practical and administrative work
Shadowing the work of other professional practitioners who offer an alternative range of dance activity or work with alternative groups
Gaining practical experience by delivering dance activities and completing elements of administrative work, under supervision
Attending classes and performances to explore new dance skills / styles
Maintenance of trainee's own skills and fitness
Introduction to Health and Safety, Disability Awareness and Equal Opportunity issues
Time to reflect on experiences and development
Time to discuss key issues relating to leading dance in the community
A process of monitoring and evaluation of progress and development
Other relevant training events

Financial Assistance:

Steps in Time will support the student during the placement by offering financial assistance in order to ensure they are able to commit themselves and their time to the partnership
Remuneration for the trainee to be negotiated in the region of Ł4.00 per hour
(e.g. Ł60.00 per week - minimum of 16 hours contact time. (16 - 20 hours)
Work placements would normally last between 1 - 3 months

A Trainee should:

Be 18 years or over
Predominantly living or working in Wales
Have already received formal dance training
Have a commitment to developing a career as a Community Dance practitioner

A Supervisor should:

Have at least 5 years relevant professional work experience
Predominantly living or working in Wales
Already working as a Community Dance Practitioner

If you would like more information or an informal chat about this scheme, please contact:

Training Co-ordinator,
CDW,
Sbectrwm,
Bwlch Road,
Fairwater,
Cardiff,
CF5 3EF
Tel: 029 20 575 075
Fax: 029 20 575 073
E-mail: info@communitydancewales.com

All applications will be measured against the set criteria and assessed by the 'Steps Steering Group' whose decision will be final. Applications can be made at any time throughout the year, but please remember funds for this scheme are limited.

This information can also be made available in Welsh, large print and via e-mail.