"Taking part in the Youth Leadership Programme showed me that sometimes you need to leave your comfort zone. It's helped me develop my listening and speaking skills, as well as my confidence. The social action project about increasing green spaces at my sixth form made me think creatively and outside the box to find solutions. I've learned that what I don't like to do, teaches me the most."
Jaiden, graduate of the Youth Leadership Programme
On 30 June we joined young people in central London to mark their graduation from this year’s Youth Leadership Programme. Young people from the programme hosted the event and showcased the skills they’ve learnt, including leading a workshop for attendees and sharing their experiences on stage.
The event marked the end of the four-year partnership with Groundwork London, during which time more than 350 young people have taken part in the programme.
100% of participants said the programme would add value to their CV and future job applications
92% reported a greater appreciation of environmental issues or improved access to green spaces
84% said they now have a better understanding of the green economy and the careers available within it.
We’ve invested £400,000 supporting young people to build confidence and gain valuable insight into the world of work at a time when youth unemployment and uncertainty is at a high.
The 14-week Youth Leadership Programme is led by expert youth workers from Groundwork London. It taps into young people’s passion for the environment and turns it into practical action. Weekly sessions on leadership, teamwork, communication, problem solving and sustainability prepare participants for designing and delivering projects that improve their local communities and green spaces.
The programme is developed in partnership with Berkeley colleagues, connecting young people with careers in the built environment through site visits, employability sessions and mentoring.
Sally Dickinson, Head of Berkeley Foundation, comments:
“Groundwork London’s Youth Leadership Programme gives young people a powerful introduction to environmental leadership, using social action projects to help them make a difference and build skills for the future. Its practical approach supports young people to take ownership of issues that affect their local community, while the involvement of Berkeley Group colleagues gives participants an insight into the world of work.
We're proud to have supported the programme for four years and to see the impact it's had on the young people taking part.”
Shabaz Ferozdin, Assistant Director, Youth Services at Groundwork London, adds:
“The Youth Leadership model represents a programme of excellence. It combines youth work, environmental action and practical skills development in a way that really resonates with young people. We’re delighted to have delivered the programme to schools and colleges, supporting more young leaders to build confidence, take action in their communities and develop skills that will help them in the future.”