training for young people age 16-24
Are you age 16-24 and interested in developing new skills, getting stuck into a physical role and excited about a future career in land management?
We have developed a programme of activities designed to implement aspects of our land management plan. Trainees will learn a number of traditional heritage skills such as hedge laying and charcoal making, along with many other techniques for land and woodland management. This will all enable Cogges to create and maintain spaces for wildlife and our visitors.
This course of work experience and training will teach new skills in:
On completion, candidates will leave with a number of AQA certificates as they look for their next position. Past trainees are now in employment or full-time education.
The programme aims to inspire young people who are not in education, employment or training and support them to develop new skills, with 4 spaces available for every 6-month programme. The working pattern is 10am – 3pm every Tuesday and Wednesday with an hour for lunch. Travel expenses will be paid by Cogges and applicants should not currently be in employment.
This project is funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund and Witney Educational Foundation. We work in association with the Wychwood Forest Trust. This project is supported by EET Team at Oxfordshire City Council, Aspire and also Got2B, Witney Job Centre, West Berks and Oxon Training.
With thanks to:
Amy started her land management traineeship with Cogges in October 2021. She already had a passion for working in the garden and used to grow her own fruit and vegetables. Amy finds being outdoors to be very settling and it helps her mental health.
Amy said: "If anyone is a bit anxious about starting as a land management trainee, they just need to start and then it gets easier. Being the only girl to have done the traineeship so far, I had to conquer my fears but the interview process was very simple and just involved talking to the Learning & Engagement Manager and filling out a form. I started 2 weeks later and came every Tuesday and Wednesday for the next 6 months.
The bits I particularly enjoyed on the traineeship were making the dead hedge and hedge laying. I didn't know anything about it but Toby from Wychwood Forest Trust, showed us how to make stakes and binders and make points using tools like the Bill Hook. I also liked getting certificates to show what I've learnt to help me apply for a job. Before the land management course, I didn't really know Cogges but now I feel part of it and I have my own Season Ticket to visit whenever I want to."
