Plessey staff complete Rotary Youth Leadership Award

Category: News
Sep 10, 2024

Through our ongoing partnership with the Roborough Rotary Club, two of our staff members were able to participate in the Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (RYLA) this summer.

Britney and Shaunagh, two of our Process Development Technicians, were selected to participate in RYLA for 2024. This is a programme for 18-30-year-olds to develop their leadership skills.  Plessey has supported several staff members through RYLA, developing a partnership with the Roborough Rotary Club.

Both Britney and Shaunagh had many positive things to say about the week and their thoughts on the experience. You can also see some photos below of their week, mostly in their outdoor activities.

Britney: “Spending five days at RYLA was a fun and insightful experience. The combination of activities and workshops, ranging from guest speakers to participating in outdoor activities like hiking, abseiling, and rock climbing, not only enhanced my leadership skills but also fostered new friendships and a deeper understanding of myself.

“These activities were not just thrilling; they also reinforced the importance of resilience, trust, and supporting each other. The natural beauty of Dartmoor added to the experience, providing a perfect backdrop for reflection and team bonding. The feedback sessions were particularly helpful, offering constructive criticism and highlighting areas for improvement. RYLA was a journey of personal growth, teamwork, and leadership development.”

Shaunagh: “Going into the 5-day RYLA experience, I had little idea of what to expect. While I knew the course would offer insights into developing leadership skills, I was unsure how these would be applied through various activities. This experience provided me with valuable perspectives on what makes a good leader and the different ways people think. This understanding helped me see how I could adapt my approach to accommodate diverse viewpoints when in a leadership role.

“I particularly appreciated that the course was filled with both physical and mental challenges, allowing me to apply my newly acquired knowledge in practical settings and underscoring the importance of teamwork. I have gained a wealth of important information and key skills from my time at RYLA. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to push my boundaries and achieve things I previously thought impossible.”

We look forward to continuing to develop future leaders alongside Roborough Rotary for years to come.