We’ve launched two new programmes in Edinburgh designed to support young people facing significant barriers to employment.
Our aim is to help them build confidence and develop practical, hands-on skills that could lead to further education or jobs in the green sector.
Working with our partners Barnardo’s and Four Square, community orchards are being used as welcoming, supportive spaces where young people can learn at their own pace and experience the wellbeing benefits of being outdoors.
We recognise that many young people face complex challenges that can make it difficult to engage with traditional learning or employment, and have designed these programmes with this in mind.
“Community orchards are places where people can learn, grow and discover what they’re capable of,” said Chris Macefield, project manager for Edinburgh and the Lothians. “By working alongside trusted local partners, we’re able to create opportunities that are tailored to each young person’s needs, helping them build confidence, develop practical skills and take positive steps towards employment.”
Through our partnership with Barnardo’s Employability Team, young people aged 15 to 18 will complete our accredited Level 1 Award in Community Orcharding, alongside work experience shadowing our staff to find out more about careers in community horticulture and environmental education.
Alongside this, we’ve partnered with Four Square to deliver a programme for young women aged 16 to 24 experiencing homelessness. Through relaxed, practical sessions in an orchard, they will learn horticultural and food-growing skills, from planting to using fresh herbs in cooking. The aim is to build confidence, develop trust and help them take positive steps towards employment and independent living.