What Are Green Skills Teams?

Green Skills Teams are programmes that improve the landscape, biodiversity and public access by taking people from job centres and giving them work experience in a practical setting and provide free training in conservation and grounds maintenance – most of this is provided by our experienced staff but where budgets permit we also offer accredited training such as a Level 2 City & Guilds Brushcutter course.

Green Skills Teams aim to both improve the environment, and improve people’s skills, prospects and employability. The Green Skills Team model works by taking on individuals who are unemployed and face barriers to employment. During their time in the Green Skills Team participants learn a wide range of practical conservation skills including hand tool use, and use of petrol powered tools like strimmers. They are also able to attend sessions to improve their employability to help prepare to enter the workforce. While part of the Green Skills Team participants meet new people, gain confidence, and learn in a safe and inclusive space.

We run 6-week Green Skills teams in partnership with SEGRO and have also run 6-month teams that provide more in depth training and support for the participants. A recent Green Skills team focussed on improvements to a local wildlife site including the rewarding task of pond restoration where the team adapted to the challenge including removing several mattresses, motorbike parts and other rubbish.

Many of our participants move on to employment and education. From our most recent Green Skills Team two of the participants have progressed to a 3-month paid traineeship with us to undertake biodiversity projects, landscape and path improvements throughout the Colne Valley. Two other participants gained employment including with a grounds maintenance company.

If you are interested in joining the programme or would like to fund a Green Skills Team, please email Jess at [email protected].

More Information

Green Skills Teams are organised by the Colne Valley Park Green Team from environmental charity Groundwork South.

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