North East and Yorkshire

NEWS: Groundwork joins forces with the John Lewis Partnership to launch a new green skills programme

Groundwork has partnered with The John Lewis Partnership to launch The John Lewis Partnership Community Investment Fund programme to support unemployed people on a route to employment, through practical real-life experience working on local community projects.


The programme will offer a six-week course for groups of up-to 12 participants to support them to carry out practical community focused landscape improvement projects. Those involved will work towards either a CSCS card or other horticulture and employability qualifications, as well as the opportunity to develop their employability skills through interview skills and CV writing training, including support into how to set up a green enterprise.

Green Skills is open from October 2021 – March 2023 and is being run in three locations – Peterborough, Sheffield and York and led by local Groundwork Trusts, Groundwork East and Groundwork Yorkshire. The programme is suitable for any age, however there is a primary focus on supporting individuals over 30, who are looking to get back into work or considering a career change.

Graham Duxbury, Groundwork’s UK Chief Executive, said:

This is a great opportunity for people to access a targeted package of support in order for them to work towards a new career in the green jobs sector. The programme will not only help participants on an individual level to kickstart a new career, but it will also ensure a much needed investment to support the growth of the green jobs workforce.

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