North East scheme to train those interested in environmental careers

A ground-breaking programme to inspire and train those looking for environmental careers is being launched through a new partnership between a national charity and a high-achieving college.

Groundwork South Tyneside and Newcastle (STAN) and South Tyneside College, with support from South Tyneside Council, have combined to create the Groundwork Academy and Centre for Skills in Environmental Services.

A first group of up to 14 trainees will begin six months of instruction in a wide range of outdoor-related skills in February - with others following as the programme develops and expands.

An environmental ranger will teach recycling, composting, the use and maintenance of non-powered and hand-held powered tools, as well as grass services and grounds maintenance, from Groundwork’s 27-acre Boldon Lodge site in West Boldon, South Tyneside.

Trainees will also participate in practical skills training at other sites across South Tyneside.

The programme will include six weeks’ work experience with an employer as trainees embark on their first steps in careers as varied as environmental and park rangers, waste and recycling operatives, and sustainability education officers.

It is believed to be the first such North East scheme formed as a partnership between an environmentally-focussed charity and an education specialist.

Andrew Watts, executive director of Groundwork STAN, which works to create sustainable communities through education, training and environmental projects, said the Groundwork Academy and Centre for Skills was rich with ambition and talent.

He said: “It is a tremendous programme that will touch people’s lives and help and inspire them to achieve their goals.

“The centre for skills encapsulates a forward-thinking and positive vision that will educate individuals while cementing a very valuable partnership between Groundwork and South Tyneside College.

“It is because of our mutual determination and ambition to educate people of all ages and backgrounds, and provide every opportunity to help them reach their full potential, that this has become a reality.

“I am extremely excited about what the centre for skills and the people who take part in it can achieve together.”

And Alison Maynard, South Tyneside College’s Principal of Professional and Vocational Education, added: “The academy and centre for skills combines an ambitious vision of education with the necessary practical skills that the college and Groundwork can provide together.

“It gives all those in the North East with an interest in environmental work and land-based activities the opportunity to equip themselves with the combination of skills and experience that employers are looking for or, to propel them on to the next part of their career. I very much hope they will grasp all that it has to offer.”

A number of partner organisations – including South Tyneside Council and community regeneration and house building company Keepmoat – have already signed up to take trainees on work placements, and negotiations are ongoing with others.

Joan Atkinson, South Tyneside Council’s Lead Member for Children, Young People and Families, said: “This is a tremendous initiative to provide training and experience in environmental services.

“I’m extremely pleased that it is being pioneered here in South Tyneside but that it embraces the North East as a whole. I am sure it will prove a great success.”

Places on the programme, which will also teach maths, English and employability skills, are open to anyone aged 16 and over, with no upper age limit, and adult learners are encouraged to apply.

After the six months programme is completed, it is anticipated that trainees will be offered full apprenticeships, be given interviews for any job vacancies, or continue on to a Level 3 college apprenticeship course.

An information open night to recruit for the February course, which runs until July, takes place at South Tyneside College’s Westoe Campus in St Georges Avenue, South Shields, on Thursday, November 28.

Present will be college and Groundwork staff, including Mr Watts and Mrs Maynard, along with representatives from North East businesses. Doors will open at 5.30pm for a prompt 6pm start. The event is scheduled to end at 7.30pm.

To register to attend or to find out more, email gwork@stc.ac.uk or, contact Lynn Lincoln on 0191 427 3696.

Learners aged over 25 who are interested in practical skills in environment training can contact Groundwork’s Employment Team on 0191 428 1144.