Participant Recruitment and Development

 During the summer growing season, we anticipate employing 25-30 participants for approximately 3 hours a week with the option of volunteering further hours of work and training. 

Recruitment is by interview and then a period of supervised activity for a 3 month assessment period. Training in general skills (e.g. Health and safety, first aid), in social skills ( time-keeping, group working, team meetings) and in technical skills is given. The technical skills include horticulture (SVQ level 2) and training for operation of specific equipment.    Solstice staff are qualified as assessors/verifiers. 

On-going support is provided through regular review meetings and the creation of personal development plans.  Participants are guided and encouraged to seek open employment as their skills and confidence increase.

Overall Solstice provides specific and general vocational training and experience, core skills required for any line of employment, social skills and confidence building, time keeping, team working as well as more specific horticulture training, skills and experience.  The outcome is individuals ready to take further steps into education, employment, voluntary work or discovery that they are not ready and need further input or more time.

Solstice may refer participants back to the local councils’  Employment Workers to seek other employment. Solstice also provides internal support to re-enter education or seek other employment. Solstice will also encourage participants to apply for staff positions within Solstice.

The anticipated outcomes are that individuals may be ready to take further steps into education, employment or voluntary work, or perhaps the recognition that they are not ready and need further input or more time.

Solstice may refer some participants back to the local councils’  Employment Support Workers to seek other employment or engagement in other activities. Solstice also provides internal support to re-enter education or seek other employment. Solstice will also encourage participants to apply for staff positions within Solstice.