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- Tasks: Manage growing spaces and support participants in the Food for Thought Programme.
- Company: Lambourne End Centre, a scenic 54-acre site in Essex.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience while making a positive impact on young people's lives.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for evening and weekend work.
- Why this job: Empower young people through gardening and personal development in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing growing spaces and working with diverse individuals.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
Lambourne End Centre is looking for a Garden Instructor to work alongside the rest of the team; to manage the growing spaces and work on a daily basis with participants of the Food for Thought Programme, providing support and technical horticultural supervision. The Centre is a fantastic 54 acre site in south west Essex which is full of opportunity. The Centre’s scenic location in a rural setting, yet on the doorstep of East London’s urban fringe creates a unique resource. The Centre boasts residential accommodation and training facilities, outdoor adventure activities, a garden project and a working farm with dedicated environmental areas. These are used to generate a wide range of programmes which promote and deliver personal development opportunities for young people, especially those at risk or struggling in traditional mainstream environments.
All the programmes are designed to encourage team building, problem solving and communication skills, as well as build confidence and raise aspirations. The Food for Thought programme provides a supportive environment which helps people develop practical and life skills whilst gaining confidence, increasing self-esteem and feeling valued. Food for Thought participants are (largely) young people who may have special educational needs, poor mental health including anxiety, or low confidence, and those needing assistance with transition into adulthood.
Suitable candidates should have:
- Experience of managing allotment style growing spaces (including inside growing spaces)
- The ability to plan a growing schedule that fully utilises the growing season and provides regular work throughout the year, ensuring that there is a regular flow of produce into the Centre’s Farm Shop
- Experience of working with people with learning disabilities, learning difficulties and those living with poor mental health
- Knowledge of organic gardening and permaculture
The post is based on a 35 hour week and may involve some evening and weekend working. Due to the nature of the work, the post will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.
Garden Instructor employer: Lambourne End Centre for Outdoor Learning
Contact Detail:
Lambourne End Centre for Outdoor Learning Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Garden Instructor
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Centre! Before your interview, take a good look at Lambourne End Centre's website and social media. Familiarise yourself with their programmes, especially the Food for Thought initiative, so you can chat about how your skills fit in.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for gardening! When you’re talking about your experience managing growing spaces, make sure to highlight any creative ideas you have for the garden project. We love enthusiasm, so let your passion shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Connect with the team! If you can, reach out to current or past employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences at the Centre and what they think makes a great Garden Instructor. This insider info can give you an edge in your interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Lambourne End Centre.
We think you need these skills to ace Garden Instructor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Gardening: When writing your application, let your love for gardening shine through! Share any personal experiences or projects that highlight your skills and enthusiasm for horticulture. We want to see how you connect with the growing spaces and the impact you can have on our participants.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to align your previous experience with the job description. If you've managed allotment-style spaces or worked with young people facing challenges, shout about it! We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your ability to support our Food for Thought programme.
Highlight Your People Skills: Since you'll be working closely with participants, it's crucial to showcase your interpersonal skills. Talk about your experience with individuals who have learning disabilities or mental health challenges. We want to know how you can create a supportive environment that fosters growth and confidence.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you can find more information about the Centre and what we do there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lambourne End Centre for Outdoor Learning
✨Know Your Horticulture
Brush up on your knowledge of organic gardening and permaculture. Be ready to discuss your experience managing growing spaces and how you can apply that to the Food for Thought programme. Showing your passion for horticulture will definitely impress!
✨Connect with the Mission
Understand the Centre's mission and the specific needs of the participants. Think about how your skills can help young people with learning disabilities or mental health challenges. Sharing personal anecdotes or experiences related to this can really resonate with the interviewers.
✨Plan Ahead
Prepare a sample growing schedule that demonstrates your ability to utilise the growing season effectively. This shows initiative and gives the interviewers a clear idea of how you would manage the garden throughout the year, ensuring a steady flow of produce.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
Since you'll be working closely with participants, highlight your experience in team building and communication. Be ready to share examples of how you've supported individuals in similar situations, especially those who may struggle in traditional environments.