Employer partnership
Grow Employment (formerly Grow Gardeners) is a paid work experience programme designed for 16-24 year olds who need support in developing and integrating employment skills and habits. This programme supports those facing challenges such as poor mental health, lack of social connections, and other employment barriers. Trainees work part-time with one of Grow’s approved employer partners for 10 weeks and earn the real living wage.
We are looking for local green employers who can offer one day a week of work for our trainees. This partnership would provide an expanded team for employers while contributing to a positive social impact.
Grow Employment is a 10 week paid work experience programme.
The programme is a total of 10.5 hours each week:
– 7 hours work placement with the employer
– 2.5 hours group workshop at Grow
– 1 hour 1-to-1 session with Grow
Trainees earn the real living wage which is funded as follows:
50% of wages – paid by Grow
50% of wages – paid by employer
We are proud to partner with a variety of green and horticultural businesses, each offering our trainees valuable and authentic work experience while benefitting from cost-effective support.
Here’s what a few of them have shared about their partnership with Grow…
Megan – Co-founder of Greystone Flowers
“…being in partnership with Grow has meant we’ve been able to have Safi as our trainee…”
Mark Pratt – MD of Maratt Lawn & Garden
“We chose to partner with Grow because their mission aligns closely with our values of empowerment through nature and skill development. Grow’s commitment to helping young people overcome barriers and build confidence through nature-based experiences resonates deeply with us, as we see first-hand the transformative power of working with plants and cultivating green spaces. Their Grow Training and Grow Employment initiative provide essential hands-on skills and mentorship that not only benefit the individuals involved but also enrich our local community. Together, we hope to inspire resilience, foster community connection, and create pathways to a brighter future through horticulture.”
Maria Pressley – Head of Education, Birley Moor Garden & Aquatic Centre
“I have a personal connection with Grow as my youngest son was taken onto the Grow Gardening programme in 2022, after he left his college course mid-way and became NEET. I contacted the local authority who put me in contact with Grow. When I was appointed into my role as Head of Education at the garden centre, I put Grow as one of the organisations to link with, as myself and Dave Walker (business owner) have a shared passion for opening opportunities to support young people the partnership opportunity with yourselves came at the right time.”
Interested in partnering with us?
If you’d like to find out more about our partnership and please email dave.cooke@growuk.org
Our employer partners
We’re proud to be partnered with these outstanding local employers and are grateful for their invaluable contributions to our young people.