Our Employment Support Schemes
The Wild for Skills Project which has been funded through the John Lewis Foundation aims to increase participation at the Centre in volunteering or work experience by people who are unemployed. The scheme works in conjunction with our Conservation Volunteer group, which undertakes practical outdoor work on habitat enhancement, helping wildlife and maintaining the Centre and its grounds.
Nature Works….. is part of the Wild for Skills project which has received support from Wolverhampton City Council’s Big Ideas.
Nature Works is an exciting new project at Wildside Activity Centre building on the strengths of our longstanding conservation volunteer programme and funded by the City Idea Funds. Nature works will be the ideal way for anyone aged 18-24 and interested in conservation to make their contribution to the local environment whilst learning valuable skills which will help them in their pursuit of employment.
Creative Conservation
Participants will work alongside our existing conservation volunteers and in collaboration with local professional artists to deliver a number of conservation themed creative projects. These projects will make a valuable contribution to the local environment and directly impact the lives of local people in a positive way. In undertaking the projects, participants will develop a range of skills essential for completing conservation tasks safely and effectively. They will develop a working knowledge of local wildlife and ecosystems and gain an understanding of how to use a wide range of tools safely.
The use of the arts to better understand local people’s relationships with their green spaces and to promote the importance of conservation adds an exciting extra dimension to the volunteering opportunities involved in this new project.
Employability
During the 12 weeks of the course there will be a firm focus on developing those employability skills most important to finding work. Each participant will receive one-to-one support to create a new CV, undertake job search, explore further training and education options and practice their interview skills.
Training and Qualifications
In addition to the specialist skills training required to play a full role in the wide range of volunteering activities which form the basis of this programme, each participant will also have the chance to undertake training which will help them in the world of work. This training will be decided in consultation with participants but could include areas including emergency first aid and manual handling.
Participants will create a portfolio for an arts award at an appropriate level for them, providing an opportunity to complete a nationally recognised level one (bronze) or level two (silver) qualification over the 12 weeks.
Personal Development
The busy 12 week programme will also include a series of personal development workshops covering subjects such as effective communication, conflict resolution and leadership. Alongside these workshops each participant will receive one to one support throughout the project to personalise their experience and maximise their progress.