CFINE is running a training course to improve employability skills and gain confidence. It takes 10 weeks during which participants will be involved in activities to build routine skills and confidence towards employment. People who attend the 10 sessions (1 every week) can obtain the Grow & Learn in Nature certificate from the Caledonian Horticultural Society.
The course takes place in a gardening setting in Aberdeen with facilities indoors and outdoors. There is no cost involved and snacks and drinks will be included. There is also help available with travel costs (bus tickets or mileage).
This course is open to people over 16 who are not employed or in full time education, and are currently living in Aberdeen. It will be a great way to learn new skills while enjoying nature.
CFINE also offers services to help improving finances, wellbeing and skills development.
FRIDAY GROUP: Fridays 9am – 12pm, starting on Friday 10th March (at The Grove, Hazledene Rd, Aberdeen AB15 8LD) – PLEASE NOTE the Friday group is almost full.
TUESDAY GROUP: Tuesdays 10am – 1pm, starting on Tuesday 14th March (at Earth & Worms Community Garden, Hayton Rd, Aberdeen AB24 2RN).
What? Work towards the Grow & Learn in Nature certificate whilst learning about gardening and growing your own confidence and skills. The course tutors specialise in gardening and working with groups. It is our priority to create a safe and welcoming atmosphere for the group.
This is a free course which aims to build basic employability skills in a gardening setting. Those who take part in the course will learn transferable skills and gain the Grow & Learn in Nature certificate, to helping you enhance your CV and prepare for employment.
The qualification is awarded by the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society (The Caley). Those who complete the course will receive a certificate from The Caley, which will look great on your CV!
To take part you are asked to commit to attending 3-4 hours a week for 10 weeks.
Participants are asked to work on portfolios showing the work they’ve completed on the course. The tutor can support you to complete the portfolio, and you can include pictures and photos to show what you’ve done.
Snacks and drinks are included.
Cfine pay your travel costs to and from the course location(s). They can pay for bus tickets or 45p per mile if you are driving.
Who is it for? This course is for those who are facing barriers to employment, and who would like to work towards entering (or re-entering) employment. We welcome applications from those who identify as a woman, as disabled, are black and minority ethnic, and those who are experiencing barriers to employment.
The course is best suited to participants with an interest in taking a next step towards the kind of routine and skills building that could lead them to eventual employment. It’s a short course and is designed to be a steppingstone, not a direct route into employment.
The criteria to be eligible for this course is:
• Over 16
• Not in employment, training, or education, or those experiencing in-work poverty
• Must be a resident of Aberdeen City
Where? The course sessions take place at a garden location in Aberdeen, and the lessons are a mix of indoor and outdoor learning. We ensure where possible that the location has shelter available, access to toilets, and a quiet space where you can go for a break if you feel overwhelmed and need some space for a few minutes.
When?
Cfine are are running the course twice, to allow for two cohorts to complete the certificate. They ask participants to specify if they would prefer to be placed in the FRIDAY GROUP or the TUESDAY GROUP.
FRIDAY GROUP: Fridays 9am – 12pm, starting on Friday 10th March (at The Grove, Hazledene Rd, Aberdeen AB15 8LD).
TUESDAY GROUP: Tuesdays 10am – 1pm, starting on Tuesday 14th March (at Earth & Worms Community Garden, Hayton Rd, Aberdeen AB24 2RN).
Additional information:
Please note that the addresses listed for each group are correct for most sessions, but the course tutor may choose to set 1 or 2 sessions in a different location in order to introduce participants to different community gardens or to deliver a particular lesson. When this is the case, participants will be informed in advance.
Outside of the 10 course sessions, we ask participants to complete one additional volunteer session at a community garden of their choice.
What next? – if you are interested in taking part in the course, please complete the referral form and send it by email or post to Rebecca at:
Rebecca Dunn, Community Growing Development Worker, CFINE
Email: rdunn@cfine.org
Address: CFINE, 2-4 Poynernook Rd., Aberdeen, AB11 5RW
Rebecca Dunn, Phone: 07588471390 Email: rdunn@cfine.org
