We are part-funding a project to help unemployed people who are over 19 years old which will help them gain a qualification and improve their employability skills.
The Green Team project is run by Groundwork East, and we are part funding it alongside Oaklands College. Participants work as part of a team on a local gardening project for four days a week, for ten weeks. They help transform outdoor areas in Central Bedfordshire while working towards a Level 1 City and Guilds qualification in Practical Horticulture and Level 1 City and Guilds qualification in Employability Skills.
The most recent project took place in Meadow Way, Leighton Buzzard, with the team clearing clear paths to create better walkways, planting flowers, improving flower beds, pruning hedges, and making raised beds.
Travel is paid for and pick up and drop off can be arranged. All participants will also be provided with PPE that they can keep, including boots, a hoody, and t-shirts.
What do participants say about the project?
100 per cent of participants said it had helped improve confidence, wellbeing, and job prospects.
55 per cent progressed into employment or training after the course finished. One participant, Neil, gained a qualification through the scheme and secured employment at Houghton Hall Park as a Park Ranger.
I wanted to do this course to achieve a qualification to improve my chances of employment. I have learnt many things from the units covered in the course, in particular consolidating soil when sowing seeds.
I feel that I have a better insight into what it takes to run a team and how to adapt to individual requirements.
Contact us for more information
Kerry Brooks
Mobile: 07889 755982
Email: kerry.brooks@groundwork.org.uk