The training elements of our programmes focus on self development and the learning needs of the individual. Areas covered include building relationships, management of self, communication and presentation skills. An emphasis is placed on individual and group supervision sessions.

We aim to comply with community development work standards. The underpinning values being:

• Social Justice: working towards a fairer society which respects civil and human rights and challenges oppression
• Self- determination: individuals and groups have the right to identify shared issues and concerns as the starting point for collective action
• Working and learning together: valuing and using the skills, knowledge, experience and diversity within communities to collectively bring about change
• Sustainable communities: empowering communities to develop their independence and autonomy while making and maintaining links to the wider society
• Participation: everyone has the right to participate fully in the decision making processes that effect their lives
• Reflective practice: effective community development is informed and enhanced through reflection in and on action

Bespoke training and learning of up to one day per week is available throughout the duration of each programme. Where identified in their individual learning plans, engagement with training agencies will be encouraged leading to accredited qualifications.

Much of the training happens alongside manufacturing, public threshold and urban farming initiatives. As an incentive at the end of each programme, participant members of commissioned, community based programmes, receive a one off bonus payment. This relates to the sale of food and planters or other products negotiated within the community context. It is anticipated that some will use this bonus scheme towards continuing community business engagement. Training support will be provided ensuring legacy and new start ups. This is part of a collaborative process, central to which are the participants identifying their potential, needs and futures.

Skills training appropriate to individual community based projects are maintained throughout the programme. The emphasis here is ‘hands on’ with experiential learning methods. Examples may include

• Land preparation and horticulture.
• Urban Farming.
• Recycling.
• Carpentry
• Building garden containers/planters
• Building window boxes
• Cycle maintenance
• Cookery and food awareness
• Developing greening the alleyway schemes
• Use of ICT including CAD
• Photography and film making skills
• Marketing
• Community Engagement and building networks
• Finance and book keeping
• Sales

The product for individual participants is one of occupation in a training, education and working environment. Social and life skills including community engagement and healthier life styles are developed throughout each 6 month programme. Approximately 4 days per week consists of engagement with one of the NEET Solutions production and trading programmes.