How Catch22 is supporting individuals into entry-level green sector roles

by Oct 7, 2024Campaigning, Charity partners, Green skills, News, News & events, Our networks

We know that the cost of training can be a huge obstacle to accessing the skills needed to get into work. This makes it even more challenging to those already facing barriers in society. That’s why over 20 years ago we established our bursary programme: to support those in financial need to access training and development which will lead to sustainable employment.

We focus particularly on awarding funding in sectors where more skilled workers will be needed in the future. So when we heard that Catch22 were focusing on identifying entry-level green jobs and upskilling individuals to work in these roles, we knew this was a good fit for our bursary programme.

Catch22 is a social non-profit organisation that designs and delivers services that build resilience and aspiration in people and communities. One of the ways they do this is through delivering high-quality training programmes to people facing barriers and supporting them on their journey to employment.

Providing green skills and employability support since 2020, when building out this offer Catch22 realised that there was a stock and flow issue, with a lack of entry-level pathways into the sector. Other key barriers they identified included a lack of education on green jobs – what they are and how to get into the sector – and crucially the cost and time needed for training. Many of the roles they researched required a certain level of qualifications yet for every technical role, such as an off-shore wind engineer, you need an entry-level position to support it. Catch22 developed a training programme with City & Guilds Foundation, as a way of supporting individuals to be able to both find and undertake these entry-level green roles which are crucial to the achieving net zero targets and more broadly, the UK-economy.

Catch22 launched the Green Spark training programme in May 2023. Through their relationship with Job Centre Plus and from exhibiting at careers fairs, 41 individuals who have faced barriers to work enrolled onto the programme with the cohort including a high number of BAME participants, individuals with convictions and a number of participants who have previously served in the army. The training included learning what a green role is, specific training around how to find and tailor applications to roles within the sector, employability skills and interview preparation and support. 26 individuals completed the training and 15 of these went on to become accredited by City & Guilds.

Catch22 continued to support participants following the training on their journey towards their primary aim, to enter sustained employment. Eight learners are now in full time employment or self-employed in roles including as a health and wellbeing practitioner, a bus driver, one participant is working in the UK health and security sector, one is self-employed making and selling sustainable products, another is working as a scaffolder and one trainee is interning in a digital organisation. From delivering Green Spark Catch22 recognise that there is still the need for: a greater awareness around what a green job is and which entry-level opportunities are available, collaboration across sectors so that people can get into these jobs quicker, which crucially how to transfer existing skills.

Catch22 Training Manager Amanda Luxton says:

At Catch22 we are continuing to work with employers across many sectors including green and digital so that the people who we support can access the future world of work. In

addition to upskilling individuals to meet real sector gaps, we ensure the training undertaken provides the best possible chance of securing employment. In the last year they have supported over 4,000 individuals with almost 2,500 becoming gaining employment.

For more information on Catch22’s work visit: https://www.catch-22.org.uk/

Want to be kept up to date?

Sign up to City & Guilds Foundation email alerts and newsletter

Previous posts

Celebrating the achievements of young people with Positive Youth Foundation

It was an absolute honour last week to address the graduating cohort from Positive Youth Foundation - a day brimming with celebration, inspiration, and pride. For those not familiar, Positive Youth Foundation (PYF) supports newly arrived young people to the UK, aged...

New Local Community Skills Fund to empower UK communities through skills and training

Grants of up to £10,000 available for UK Charities, Social Enterprises and Training Providers. City & Guilds Foundation has launched a pilot scheme to help fund initiatives designed to boost employment, skills and development in communities across the UK. As part...

Foundation & Friends Podcast: Exploring Innovative Training Solutions with HX Expeditions

In this episode, we dive into the world of HX Expeditions and their award-winning training programme for expedition guides working in polar bear territories. Jim Mayer, Expedition Team Training Manager, shares insights into how their training has evolved to ensure...

Funding for makers: Applications for QEST (Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust) Grants open until 10 Feb

Sustaining vital skills in traditional and contemporary crafts QEST offers three grants to support makers and conservators at various career stages. Grants are available for education and training, with Scholarships of up to £18,000, Emerging Maker grants of up to...

Changing Lives, Changing Industries: HMP Highpoint’s groundbreaking rail training

Around two weeks ago, we had the privilege of attending HMP Highpoint to see the opening of the first ever rail centre of excellence in prison, which back in 2022 we provided funding for installation of a rail track so that industry-standard training could be...

Royal recognition for employers who invest in training and development in the UK and Ireland

On Thursday 21 November, 52 recipients from the UK and Ireland were recognised by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal through the Princess Royal Training Awards held at Goldsmiths’ Hall in London. Over the past nine years, The Princess Royal Training Awards, delivered by the City & Guilds Foundation, have recognised and celebrated organisations that deliver exceptional and impactful learning and development programmes.

Membership Awards Class of 2024: Championing Impact, Recognising Talent

City & Guilds is proud to announce the first recipients of the Membership Awards, a programme designed to celebrate and recognise exceptional tutors and trainers who are making a significant impact on individuals and organisations. City & Guilds is committed...

Launching City & Guilds Impact Report 2024!

For over 145 years, City & Guilds has been committed to making a meaningful impact on society by delivering high-quality skills training that meets the demands of the times. At the heart of this mission is helping individuals gain the competencies they need to...

Foundation Autumn Newsletter 2024: Advocating for those who need it most

Welcome to the latest edition of our quarterly newsletter which is packed with information, bringing to life the difference we’re making to help people access skills, celebrate skills and advocate for those who need it most.

Inspiration and innovation at HMP Pentonville with XO Bikes

Since we created the City & Guilds Foundation in 2019, one of our key funding activities has been identifying and activating practical ways to support those who have been in Prison (or at risk of entering Prison) to build skills and secure, and sustain,...

Podcast episodes

Foundation & Friends Podcast (2024-)

​Green Skills Podcast in collaboration with Green Edge (2024-)

Hosted by Dr. Michael Cross and Fraser Harper, this podcast series explores the critical transition towards a sustainable planet and the pivotal role of green skills in shaping the economy.

Listen now

City & Guilds Foundation Podcast (2021-22)

Share This