GREEN PATHWAYS II Momentum Programme at ECO-UNESCO Elaine Nevin National Director of ECO-UNESCO

Who is ECO-UNESCO? Specialise in environmental education and we provide a range of education, training and youth employment programmes Ireland’s Environmental Education and Youth Organisation – est. in 1986 Affiliated to the World Federation of UNESCO Clubs, Centres and Associations (WFUCA)

What do we do? ECO-UNESCO has a significant track record in youth development and has delivered a very successful Green Pathways Momentum programme in 2013/14. Specialist provider of training programmes and courses aimed at those under 25 but also work in adult education. Deliver both accredited and non- accredited training programmes. Work with young people, leaders, teachers, general public, schools, youth services, youth groups, VEC’s, education centres.

How we do it… Experiential learning Youth empowerment and participation Non-formal methodologies Youth work approach and experience Practical hands on programmes Supportive and experienced staff Site visits and Learning by doing Strong links to the wider community By building self- confidence and self esteem this helps develop skills such as team working By enabling young people to take a responsible role in society once they see a real positive change as a result of their action. Previous Green Pathways participants working on project work Past participant Amy Farrell receiving FETAC accreditation Cormac Kennett presenting about this experience at the Market Place Event Past participants on a site visit to Co. Wicklow

The success of Green Pathways 1 Outcomes: 87% successfully completed the training and work place phase of the programme 15% have gained full/part time employment 21% have started further education courses 8% have gone back to do their leaving certificate. Profile: 100% of our participants were under 25 28% of our candidates completed the Leaving Certificate prior to commencing the programme and others were early school leavers Unemployed graduates with environmental degrees or interests have also completed the programme

The Impact of the Programme Our past participants have said that: “Green Pathways offers excellent support and has given me a new direction in my career and my life” “Green Pathways gave me education, training and a valuable work placement experience that has also boosted my confidence” “I wouldn’t have got a job without the Green Pathways programme; I was actually offered 2 jobs by the end of the programme” Click here Click here to view our video from Green Pathways 1 on our website and to hear some of our participants stories

Green Pathways II The programme is built on Green Pathways I 3 week induction period 3 FETAC accredited modules to include Work Experience (FETAC Level 5) Sustainable Development (FETAC Level 5) Ecology in the Environment (FETAC Level 6) Individual learner plan support Motivation training Field trips Visits to work placements On the job supports Career guidance Project work weeks work placement Post course employment support

Who is Green Pathways II aimed at? The programme has a very strong under-25s focus but is open to all in particular those with an interest in the green economy Living in the Dublin and Dun Laoghaire area who have been unemployed and on the live register for more than 1 year Participants must be committed to completing the programme, gaining accreditation and progressing to employment and/or further or higher education Interest in the green economy The programme will be suitable for people from all backgrounds ; it will also target the low skilled and educationally disadvantaged and will offer these participants appropriate support. Functional literacy and numeracy is required.

What qualifications will participants gain? Certification : The Green Pathways Programme offers awards certified by FETAC in Levels 5 and 6. The Green Pathways programme takes an integrated approach and will provide the following core modules FETAC Accredited : Sustainable Development (Level 5) Work Experience (Level 5) Ecology in the Environment (Level 6) The following additional modules will be provided to the under 25s: time management team working basis computer literacy skills

Work Experience (FETAC Level 5) The module covers many aspects of employment support including: job search, interview skills, mock interviews, CV and cover letter writing, personal development, weekly support meetings and a skills and interest test.

Sustainable Development (FETAC Level 5) This module trains participants in: –environmental auditing –critical thinking –problem solving –permaculture –community assessment –education for sustainable development. The module aims to educate participants to acquire a general knowledge and understanding of the term ‘sustainable development’, develop an awareness of the interactions between society, economics and the environment at a local and global level, develop analytical skills of data recording, analysis and evaluation (e.g. environmental auditing and indicator development).

Ecology in the Environment (FETAC Level 6 ) Learners will gain skills in environmental studies, ecology, conservation biology and population studies/habitat assessment and they will gain knowledge in current environmental, ecological, conservation and policy issues.

Key Skills Each module develops skills and knowledge in areas related to jobs in the green economy to mainly include gardeners, nature skills trainees, environmental consultants, horticulturists, project officers and visitor guides.. General skills identified include: communications skills environmental auditing skills leadership communication skills ability to work independently team management project management risk analysis maths skills computer skills

Work Placement and progression routes? Work placement will be for weeks We have also linked up with various potential work placement opportunities including, Rothar, Irish Environmental Network, Beeconcultants, Windyridge Nurseries, Newlands Garden Centre, Urban Plant Life, St. Annes Park Raheny, Jones Garden Centre, SWAN, the EPA, Ikea, and many other potential employers. In addition, participants will organise an event inviting potential employers to a Market Place day. By the end of the Green Pathway programme participants will have the potential to progress onto further education, higher education and/or employment.

What are the prospects for the Green economy? The green economy is an emerging job space which is opening up employment opportunities in a wide range of areas including energy efficiency, corporate social responsibility, green enterprise and sustainable development. The Government Action Plan for Jobs 2014 highlights the green economy as a key area for growth and investment. Specific green economy sector-focused skills include: environmental auditing building energy efficiency, ability to measure impact of sustainability projects, ability to set social, environmental and economic key performance indicators

Key Information When? First start date 27t h of October Where? The programme will take place at ECO-UNESCO, The Greenhouse,17 St Andrew Street, Dublin 2 How many hours per week? 25 per week from Monday to Friday. The course is classified as full-time so participants are eligible for back to education allowance. How many weeks will they be expected to be on board? 27 weeks, this will include 13 weeks of training and education and weeks work placement.

Other Information: Information day for interested participants on 13 th of October at ECO-UNESCO, the greenhouse, 17 St. Andrew St, Dublin 2 ECO-UNESCO's Green Pathways Programme – YouTube View our video from Green Pathways 1 to hear some of our participants stories Contact Niamh Hand, Green Pathways Project Officer for more information on or on