Mayflower 1620 Ltd, are local Historians, Consultants and Tour guide training providers. We also provide several ongoing training projects for the London Borough of Southwark for which we have to raise funding. The project promotes the whole of the Pool of London area as an accessible and exciting area for tourists to visit, by increasing the usage of the facilities already in place.

The project was conceived as a result of conversations during a CENTEC project entitled "Developing links with employers in Travel, Tourism and the Arts". Ideas on how to interest young people to take up training and experience working in a tourist based environment, around an area that has a fascinating history, crystallised into the germ of this project, later entitled the Southwark Young Pilgrims project.

The Southwark Young Pilgrims project instructs year 10 and 11 pupils from schools within the borough of Southwark, instilling confidence and giving them an insight into the world of work. The project is designed to introduce young people to the idea of a career in travel and tourism through a structured programme of accredited training and work experience as Ambassadors of the Borough.

The project started in 1997, has been consistently successful in achieving its main target outputs, adding to the young people's knowledge, increasing their pride in their local history and heritage. The project helps to enhance the links between the local Heritage Association, travel industry, local schools, colleges and youth organisations.

The project has achieved the objective of promoting both the larger and smaller visitor attractions in the Bankside and Pool of London area, helping visitors get to their destinations efficiently and safely whilst encouraging them to stay longer to enjoy themselves. Utilising the data gained since the pilot scheme it is possible to measure and evaluate the positive economic impact that the project has on local businesses and attractions.

The student's placed on the projects are selected by their schools; there are a total of 75 students selected to take part in the two projects that run each year. The projects take place during school holidays in order not to interfere with the student's schoolwork or examinations. Each project consists of one week's intensive theory training and five weeks work experience at a purpose made stands sited in the London Bridge and river walks areas. During their work experience the students, on average deal with 9,000 enquiries from visitors on each project.

At the end of each project, the successful students are presented with nine certificates from various accrediting organisations. Mayflower 1620 Ltd remains in contact with a majority of students from the Southwark Young Pilgrim projects; have previously and continue to provide job references and career advice. The project has been identified by the schools as making a marked difference in the student's attitude and achievements upon returning to school.

The project has accreditations from the following organisations: Mayflower 1620 Ltd, AMS Services, The Pumphouse Educational Museum, A.S.D.A.N. Gold, A.S.D.A.N Activities, C.O.P.E. Welcome Host and the Duke of Edinburgh Awards scheme.

If you would like to find out more about the project or wish to sponsor the project, please contact Mrs. Veronica Alden, Mayflower 1620 Ltd, by telephone or facsimile on 020-8299-0470 or e-mail: v.alden@mayflower1620ltd.co.uk