An innovative partnership
Shaw Trust's Learning Through Horticulture project in Lincolnshire is an innovative partnership with Bridge Farm Nurseries - owned by Tony Ball – and the Spalding Horticultural Training Group.
Opportunities
The project provides opportunities for education, training and employment for disabled and disadvantaged people living in South Lincolnshire - where there are significant skill shortages. People aged 14-19 year age group are specifically targeted, as well as women and unemployed people over the age of 45.
Through horticulture, Shaw Trust offers real work experience in large commercial glass houses, growing and propagating plants which are sold in the large supermarket chains. Clients learn about where plants come from; how they are transported; how to recognise, identify, re-pot and nurture the small plants and how to market them.
Clients also improve their life skills and can improve their computer skills. The project also provides opportunities for socialising and preparing for the world of work - clients have to attend regularly and follow instructions and advice.
IT and qualifications
As well as the hands-on cultivation of plants, hi-tech IT facilities are available at Bridge Farm. Shaw Trust staff work with clients to build on their strengths. Clients are shown how to keep records and document the practical work done in the greenhouses, providing great experience which is important to potential employers.
All clients are working towards NVQ Level 1 in Horticulture and so far 22 have reached this level, along with other supporting vocational qualifications.
Shaw Trust Project Officer, Damian Marshall has supported 16 people to move in to employment, many in local horticultural businesses.
Tony Ball from Bridge Farm Nurseries, describes his teams' efforts:
"It's all about putting something back into society and helping people who need to see some success in their lives."
Schools get involved
Local schools get involved and they are invited to send groups of children to Bridge Farm where they learn about horticulture - 450 children from 12 schools have taken part since the project started.
For more information contact Damian Marshall
Find out more about clients Adam and Terry
Learning Through Horticulture is supported by the Lincolnshire Fenland LEADER+ Programme for England, a (DEFRA) Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs initiative.
