Community environment project puts young people on the ‘Growth Path’ to success

Young people can gain a passion for the environment and grab essential work experience and training at a community project which is helping build a green legacy for future generations.

With Community Environment Funding (CEF) from the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), Growth Path, previously known as Kingstanding Regeneration Trust, has brought together experts from The Wildlife Trust, Birmingham Open Spaces Forum (BOSF) and Team 4 Nature to carry out environmental improvements to part of Brookvale Park in Birmingham.

And the project has already seen 20 local people undergo work experience, helping to plant 15,000 of 20,000 bulbs due to go into the ground by the end of March next year

Trainees come to the project with often very little to no knowledge or experience of environmental, ecological or horticultural topics – this project has introduced them to a new area of work and gain experience.

Local nursery children, the Girl Guides and Brownies have also been involved through community events including three bulb planting days, a tree giveaway and a bird watching walk.

One of the young people benefitting from the programme is young mum Charlotte Marriott. Aged 17 and from Castle Vale, mother to 9-month-old Harmony Mai.

With no GCSEs and a challenging early life, Charlotte learnt of the Growth Path Project from her early help worker. After completing the programme and impressing her supervisors she has now secured a paid traineeship with the organisation which will start in February.

This will see her earn as she learns, doing landscaping work two days a week with Growth Path. Charlotte will also work on a variety of residential and commercial projects while completing her English and Maths Functional skills course as well as a range of construction and environmental certificates, preparing her for a career in landscaping.

Charlotte said, “As a young mum leaving school with no GCSEs, I couldn’t get onto a college course for construction which was my dream. I wasn’t quite sure where to go from there.

“My early help worker introduced me to Growth Path. After doing the work experience, I now get to do some hands-on work which I really enjoy and the great news is that I will get paid to do it. I’ll also be able to continue learning while I work so I can progress into a landscaping career which I can’t wait to get into.

“I would say to anyone that is interested in landscaping and gardening to come and join the Growth Path project - it's been a life changer for me and my family.”

Anya Sanchez, CEO, Growth Path Services said, “This project wins in so many ways. It provides work experience opportunities for young people, encourages the local community to engage with nature and improves the biodiversity of beautiful Brookvale Park. We hope this project leads to more projects like this in the area.

“The setting up of Friends of Brookvale Park is a great legacy for the project and means we can leverage further funding, bringing more local people together to nurture nature and reap the benefits.”

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “Charlotte’s story shows how passion, when supported by the right training, can become a job you love.”

“Work experience provides life-changing training and skills, opening the door to new careers and building self-confidence.

“Grassroots projects like Growth Path are proof of the incredible difference local initiatives can make - not just to our environment but to people’s lives and that’s why I’m committed to ensuring every young person has the chance to thrive.” 

The project was awarded £13,148 from the WMCA Community Environment Fund (CEF) set up as part of the Commonwealth Games Legacy Enhancement Fund.

Prior to the CEF, Kingstanding Regeneration Trust received £19,344 Community Green Grant for a Birds and Bees Project at Brookvale parks and this delivered 1,280 training hours, restoring 84sqm of shrub land, supporting 40 young people.

In total across both projects, the initiative has received around £32,000 to increase biodiversity and year-round interest at the site, making it a better place for people and nature.

For more information about the Growth Path visit: Growth Path | We support young people to succeed in employment.