On Wednesday the 28th of September the highly talented Green Skills Programme cohort 6 completed the first stage of this insightful programme! Green Skills for Jobs and Entrepreneurship (or Green Skills for Work and Business), led by UWE Bristol in partnership with Black South West Network and NatWest, has delivered training for young people from Black and Minoritised backgrounds in the city to learn about sustainability, environmental activities, eco-friendly innovation, employment opportunities, and much more in this exciting and growing green sector.
The Green Skills programme consists of 8 days of paid training to develop skills and industry insight. The programme is funded by the West of England Combined Authority and HM Government. After graduating, participants will now go on to explore new pathways into the green economy. Including access to further qualifications, employment opportunities, coaching/mentoring, grants to start or grow their green business, business incubation at BSWN and UWE, and paid internships.
© Viva Arteaga - Photo taken at the graduation of the Green Skills Programme at the Station.
The big event was hosted at the Station, the home of Creative Youth Network in Bristol City Centre with delicious vegan Caribbean food provided by local restaurant Fi Real. Local DJ and musician NGAIO played a musical selection of afrobeats music for everyone to enjoy while they were eating. After lunch learners, members of the team, facilitators, and partners were welcomed by Tracey John, Director of Research Business and Innovation at UWE Bristol followed by a speech from our very own Director, Sado Jirde who thanked and congratulated this cohort describing them as showcasing talent, leadership, and purpose. Matt Hatcher, Natwest Director for Commerical Banking in the West of England also spoke about the need for this programme and congratulated the learners on their achievements.
© Viva Arteaga Photo taken during the learners panel discussion.
This was followed by an engaging and wholesome learners discussion in which the panel spoke with Xavier Baker, Mentor and Learner Support Manager about their experience on the programme, their own personal journeys, what they felt they had taken away, and what their next steps would be. To end the event everyone spent some time networking and connecting with others and enjoying the wholesome environment.
We wish this cohort luck on their next endeavors!