GAP Case Studies
"When I first graduated, I was really
disheartened by so many negative responses to job applications,
despite my strong degree. Groundwork has given me the opportunity
to demonstrate my strengths in a professional environment that is
relevant to my aspirations to follow an environmental or
conservation-based career. I have also developed new skills,
including project management and the use of GIS software. Working
here has given me a more positive outlook, and I have received help
and encouragement when applying for jobs." - Jennifer
Horn, ex-GAP, Groundwork West Midlands
Lauren started out at Groundwork Wigan and Chorley. After graduating, she worked as an Ecology Tutor for a year with the Field Studies Council but decided that she wanted more of a business focus. “During my 6 month placement at Groundwork, I worked on an environmental supply chain project which then lead to employment on a similar project at Cardiff University. After around 5 years working on various business and sustainability related projects at Cardiff University I decided it was time for a change and found myself back at Groundwork, but this time, working in the Black Country." - Lauren Darby, Lead Advisor, Environmental Business Services
“When I got my degree, I didn't want to jump
straight into the first job that came along.
Groundwork Oldham & Rochdale and the scheme
gave me the chance to learn hands on skills and also put something
back into the local community that I grew up in. I joined the
contracts team in January 2007 and continued working with the team
till December of the same year. As well as the physical
implementation of projects I also learnt how to project
manage, budget, find and order materials, apply for project
funding, supervise other volunteers, children and young adults and
even promote Groundwork on BBC local radio! I also worked a number
of evenings and weekends, running church planting schemes and even
supervising young adults for a weekend in the Peak District. Since
leaving at GW Oldham and Rochdale, I have just started at
Groundwork as the Land Apprentice Programme Support Worker.
Groundwork can give you some amazing qualities, depending on what
you put into it!” - Matt Bidski, ex-GAP,
Groundwork West Midlands
“I came across the GAP scheme on the Regenwm website and took part in the first GAP intake in February 2008 to try and get some work experience. After graduating with a Bsc Geography (hons) degree, I applied for quite a lot of jobs in the environmental sector, and got to the interview stage but was turned down due to lack of experience. The GAP scheme gave me confidence in applying for jobs and I started my role as Training Officer at Groundwork in May 2008. I enjoy the variety of my role, there's always something different about each job I do; from going out to schools, carrying out inductions, applying for approval for new courses, working with the students, and so on. I was planning on leaving the Black Country once I'd finished my degree. When I was looking for work there seemed to be nothing exciting to apply for, so I was thinking of moving either back to Chester, where I’d studied, or somewhere like Manchester or Liverpool. The GAP scheme has made me realise how much I appreciate Black Country culture, and I can see myself staying in the area now." - Jen Davies, Training Officer, Groundwork West Midlands
“I took part in the first intake, which was in February 2008. After finishing university in 2006, I was unable to get into the sector I wanted to due to a lack of experience, and became disillusioned. My degree was in Biological Sciences and I studied at the University of Birmingham, but because the subject was fairly general, it was harder for me to get a foot into the job market and the environmental sector. I did consider doing a masters but I was undecided as to which direction I should go. I saw the scheme as an opportunity to get some valuable experience, and also a way for me to see what it would be like to work within the third sector and see if it was for me.
I started my role as Graduate Apprentice Scheme Project Officer in March, and absolutely loved every part of the job, especially being able to work with enthusiastic and highly motivated graduates. I recently became a Senior Project Officer and now work within the Communities theme with graduate apprentices, volunteers and staff on a range of projects and activities. It's a really exciting time for the organisations, and no two days are the same, which is great.
The GAP scheme did a lot for me personally. It gave me more transferable skills, definitely helped build confidence and I've met some fantastic people, both in my intake and the intakes that followed. As a GAP, I worked on a number of exciting projects across many themes, and definitely ticked a number of boxes on my CV. It's been great working alongside staff at Groundwork who have always been friendly and helpful, and I've learned and am still learning a lot. Overall, I guess the scheme has helped me to pursue my passion for sustainable development, in a fantastic working environment." - Amit Dattani, Senior Project Officer, Groundwork West Midlands
"I have only ever lived on the Wednesbury/Walsall border making me a Black Country boy. I have a degree in Georgraphy and took part in the very first intake of the GAP scheme, where I volunteered at Groundwork Black Country from the end of February to late July 2008, which over lapped with the second intake, as I was and had been through the process of volunteering.
I started my new role on September 1st and enjoy every aspect of my wide and varied role. My job is split into 2 separate areas, 17 hours a week I work with Groundwork in Solihull as a Community Project Officer where at the moment I am in charge of organising corporate volunteer days for businesses looking to take a day out of the office to volunteer in the community. The other 20 hours a week I work with Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council where I am employed as a trainer on a pilot scheme based around family weight management, the importance of a healthy eating and physical activity with young people aged between 8-16 and their families. The role is highly enjoyable as the program itself is lots of fun and our physical activity sessions get everyone laughing.
GAP basically opened up channels which I would not have been able to access on my own. It also gave me the skills to talk confidently in interviews and paid for essential training which I otherwise would not have been able to afford. It also opened up ambition within me to work alongside communities and pursue a healthy lifestyle. GAP also helped me project manage and understand funding streams, how best to access them and the importance of a community voice. In essence if I hadn't taken part in the GAP scheme I very much doubt I would be in employment in an area which I am passionate about." - Craig Green, Community Project Officer, Groundwork in Solihull.
