Green Skills Training Academy celebrates success as two graduates secure employment with Maydencroft

The Green Skills Training Academy is thrilled to announce the recent success of two exceptional graduates, Christina Veldman and Noa Schinas, whom Maydencroft has employed after completing the four-week Green Skills Bootcamp course.

Christina and Noa's journey from learners to professionals is a testament to the effectiveness of the Green Skills Bootcamp programme, which provides comprehensive training and practical experience in the green sector.

Hounslow Council’s Green Skills Bootcamp course is funded by the Mayor of London Skills Bootcamps and Hounslow Council, in conjunction with Maydencroft, Lampton 360 and Hounslow Highways.

The Bootcamp equips learners with the necessary knowledge and skills to pursue rewarding careers in the environmental sector, and the opportunity for an interview with Maydencroft upon completion of the course has proven to be a game-changer for these talented individuals.

Christina Veldman, 45, now a Landscape and Environment Operative in the Maydencroft Grounds and Estates team, says: “I am so delighted to have been given the chance to get my foot back in the door to my dream job. I am originally from Finland, where I worked on a reindeer farm and studied environmental studies when I was a lot younger.

Now that I have been living in the UK, after a 14-year career break raising a family, working in a landscape job is something I never thought possible again.

The Green Skills Training Academy is such a great place to learn because you have such fantastic, skilled trainers who work in the field they teach so that they can offer you first-hand knowledge. The trainers returned my passion for the environment, and I gained confidence, especially in the practical work.

I heard about the Green Skills Bootcamp through Ealing Council as I was unemployed and looking to see if I could get some office work. It was beyond my expectations that I would be employed in my ideal job. Now that my children have grown up, I wake up early, look forward to seeing nature daily, and go to my new job working outside with a big smile. Thank you, Green Skills Training and Maydencroft, for this fantastic opportunity!”

Noa Schinas, 24, now a Landscape and Environment Operative in the Maydencroft Landscape and Environment team, says, "I learned about the Green Skills Bootcamp through the Ealing Job Centre. I was looking for something other than factory or office work. I’ve always enjoyed working outside in manual work rather than at a desk, so when I heard about Bootcamp and it's fully funded, I jumped at the chance to join it.

The trainers have been kind and patient with all the learners. My favourite session was learning about Invasive, Non-Native Species plants. Then we went to see them, and they were growing everywhere in urban areas, which shocked me.

The interview at the end of the course wasn’t too daunting as you had already been prepared for it, understood the company, and had been given tasks during the weeks to show what sort of work they did.

I’m grateful that I am now working in this job, and I would say to anyone who wants to work outside and loves the environment to give the course a go; you will be supported all the way.”

The Green Skills Training Academy is committed to nurturing a new generation of environmentally conscious professionals. The academy's website proudly showcases its pledges, including a dedication to providing high-quality, industry-relevant training, promoting sustainable practices, and supporting the transition to green careers. These pledges reflect the academy's mission to empower individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to impact the environment and their communities positively.

Councillor Louise Brett, Ealing Council’s Cabinet Member for Decent Living Incomes, said, “Green skills are becoming increasingly important in the jobs market. We want to make sure that our residents are equipped with the must-have skills to get green jobs and work closely with Hounslow Council to make this happen.

It is fantastic to hear that two of our residents who attended the Hounslow-run ‘Green Skills Bootcamp’ last year are now in employment with Maydencroft, a green land management employer. Both residents will continue to learn in the workplace with Maydencroft’s own training programme.”

Councillor Katherine Dunne, Deputy Leader of Hounslow Council and Cabinet Member for Climate, Environment and Transport, said: “Hounslow Council is leading on the growth of London’s green economy, and the Mayor of London-funded Green Skills Bootcamps are a hugely important part of upskilling Hounslow residents and Londoners into green sectors.

We’re delighted to be working with Lampton 360, Hounslow Highways, and Maydencroft to train Hounslow and Ealing residents who enrol in the free four-week course. Collaboraton is key to best provide best-in-class training for residents, and we’ll be continuing to do so through to the training’s third cohort in February 2024.”

Green skills are vital in today's job market, particularly for individuals seeking opportunities in the environmental sector or transitioning to a more sustainable career path. The demand for professionals proficient in sustainable practices, environmental conservation, and landscape management continues to grow, making green skills training essential for anyone aspiring to thrive in this sector.

"We are elated to see Christina and Noa embark on their professional journey with Maydencroft," said Tom Williams, Managing Director at Maydencroft. "Their success underscores the effectiveness of our training courses and the immense potential that green skills offer. We take great pride in providing a supportive and enriching learning environment that prepares our graduates for real-world challenges while promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship."

The Green Skills Training Academy invites individuals passionate about the environment and sustainability to explore its comprehensive training courses, committed to providing a professional yet friendly learning experience. Whether you are looking to upskill, transition to a new sector, or embark on a career in environmental conservation, the academy offers the tools and resources needed to succeed.

The next Green Skills Bootcamp will take place from 19th February 2024. To find out more information, please click here or contact skillsescalator@workhounslow.gov.uk.