What's the Green Talent programme?

Between June and December 2010 a consortium led by the Eden Project, with core partners Kew and RSPB set up and piloted a new initiative, Green Talent, for young people aged 14-19.

The Green Talent pilot programme was conceived to link the environment, sustainability and skills together with future business requirements to create a significant change in the understanding of young people, their perceptions and to influence their future actions. Once developed, the programme was delivered at the following centres:

• Eden Project
• Kew Gardens
• Wakehurst Place
• RSPB Rainham Marshes
• RSPB Old Moor
• RSPB Saltholme

In all, 430 young people came on the programme, spending 2 days on an environmental experience that took them on a journey where they were shown how our dependence on plants, climate change and the need for adaptation and innovation in business are inter-related. It drew together two key agendas, talent and environment and asked young people to consider how they can make the best of their talents and skills to contribute positively.

As part of the programme, the environmental centres also encouraged young people to draw the links between what they had learned on the environmental experience and the world of work. Young people undertook work related learning, enhanced work experience placements and educational visits as part of their experience.

What have people said?

'The Green Talent experience is at a 'platinum' level in comparison to any of the other training experiences I’ve taken young people on. I’m quite overwhelmed that this kind of resource is available to young people and I definitely want to bring more on to it next year.' Pamela Bancroft, Teacher, Sinfin School, Derby

'I learnt things here that I wouldn't have learnt anywhere else.’ Student, 16.

'It’s, like, changed the whole way that I think…now I know I can do something.' Student, 17.

Case study

Before taking part in the Green Talent programme, Amy did not have a strong interest in environmental issues and was not doing anything to contribute to the climate change solution. Amy was fairly apprehensive about participating in Green Talent but she was also intrigued about how organisation like the Eden Project were approaching the issue. ‘It’s not like another country doing it…it’s our country and it is something to be proud of.'

Amy enjoyed her experience at Eden and the hands on nature of the programme ‘...you’ve explained it in different ways which makes it a lot easier to actually get…because we didn’t really know anything from school, it’s helped us, see it in different ways’.

The experience has left Amy feeling empowered and excited about her future. ‘It’s changed the whole way that I think… I think we’ve had a massive impact and we need to turn it around... now I know I can do something. I can help, I can maybe not do a great deal, but I can do something’.

What next?

We are currently working on a range of initiatives for 2011 and beyond which include the Green Talent Community and developing more live experiences for young people.

To learn more, or find out how you can get involved, contact us on info@greentalent.org