Young people who attend Kibble’s education and training centre, The Skills Academy, have launched a range of unique, handmade and sustainable Christmas wreaths and gifts as part of the academy’s focus on providing young people with green, sustainable skills and knowledge.
Launched on December 9 and running until December 20, young people are selling hand crafted festive gifts such as Christmas wreaths, mini-potted Christmas trees and chilli plants in a pop-up style shop located at The Skills Academy in Hillington. The festive greenery is available for Kibble employees to purchase.
With guidance from the newly appointed Sustainability and Green Skills Instructor, Joe Lowitt, young people at the Skills Academy gathered foliage and willow for the wreaths and grew their own chilli plants in their community garden, reflecting the Academy’s commitment to sustainability.
Joe Lowitt, Sustainability and Green Skills Instructor, Kibble’s Skills Academy said: “There’s a lot of growth in the environmental sector with job possibilities increasing and potential to help young people develop skills that can set them up for meaningful and interesting careers.
“Even if they decide to go on and do something completely different with their life, I think developing a connection to nature and being outdoors is beneficial for health and wellbeing in general. Plus, being aware of environmental impact is a crucial skill for all young people as they navigate the world.
“The Christmas Shop is a great example of young people applying that sustainability mindset with entrepreneurial spark.”
Photo: Items available to buy at the Skills Academy Christmas Shop
Photo Credit: Kibble
Photo: Joe Lowit – Sustainability and Green Skills Instructor
Photo Credit: Kibble
The Skills Academy has plans to grow its own Christmas trees by 2025 as part of its sustainability efforts, complementing its ongoing ‘homegrown’ initiative, which uses the community garden to grow plants and vegetables that are then used in the on-site Skills Academy kitchen.
Lisa Wardlaw, Head of Skills Academy said: “Teaching young people about sustainability is crucial for empowering them to make choices that benefit the planet. It’s not just about learning skills; it’s about instilling a mindset, which values environmental responsibility and equips them to tackle future challenges with confidence and care.”
At the academy, young people gain essential academic qualifications and have opportunities to take part in practical lessons and works experience opportunities. The Skills Academy is part of Kibble, which operates as a social enterprise, providing a bespoke environment where young people who are disengaged with mainstream education can develop their skills at their own pace and gain qualifications, which will increase their chances of finding and sustaining employment within a role they enjoy.
Mark Macmillan, Director, Kibble, shared the reasoning for appointing a dedicated Sustainability and Green Skills Instructor: “The Skills Academy curriculum strives to be reflective of the modern business environment and give young people the confidence to build careers in sectors that interests them.”
“By appointing a dedicated Sustainability and Green Skills Instructor, sustainability can be fully incorporated into the syllabus and help prepare pupils to tackle global issues including climate change and biodiversity. We understand our responsibility in equipping young people with the knowledge to create a more sustainable world and fill environmental job openings and we want to support them in this mission.”
Acquiring qualifications and life skills can boost young people’s confidence levels and self-belief. The ultimate aim of The Skills Academy is to help young people realise their full potential and empower them to set and achieve career goals.
Kibble Group has bases across central Scotland and supports at-risk children and young people (aged 5-26) across the UK. Many of the young people have experienced significant trauma in their lives and Kibble offers dedicated care and support to help them move forward.
Photo: Lisa Wardlaw Head of Skills Academy and Tracey Jardine Principal Teacher
Photo Credit: Kibble