Hounslow (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Hounslow Council launches free Green Skills Bootcamp in September, funded by the Mayor of London, to train residents for employment in the green economy.
The more than £7,000 course will consist of on-the-ground assignments with partner firms like Lampton 360, Hounslow Highways, and Maydencroft Limited, as well as instruction on the use of industrial tools like woodchippers and chainsaws.
Residents of Hounslow who are over 19 and do not currently have a job can apply online for the program.
Participant Julian Lavender, who is currently employed as a Grounds Maintenance Operative at Lampton 360, outlined the advantages of the course:
“Before the Green Skills Bootcamp, I was struggling to find proper work in something I actually cared about. The course gave me real hands-on experience, like tree work, using tools, and working with the team in the parks. It helped me build confidence and understand what the job’s really about.
I got a placement through it, then an interview, and now I’m working as a Grounds Maintenance Operative with Greenspace. It’s the best thing I’ve done – if you enjoy being outdoors and want a proper career, I’d say go for it.”
Future landscapers and tree surgeons will receive one-on-one mentorship on future employment options, in addition to a guaranteed interview at the end of the course.
Residents must be available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., and transportation costs are reimbursed during the course.
The London Borough of Hounslow’s Lead Member for Environment, Climate Change, and Transport, Councillor Katherine Dunne, emphasised how the Skills Bootcamp provides access to a variety of professional pathways:
“If you’re not keen on a desk job, this is the perfect opportunity to discover a career outdoors with the potential to work in one of our many iconic parks and help meet Hounslow’s nature recovery and environmental goals.
The on-site work placements with local employers mean you gain invaluable knowledge and skills – along with understanding first-hand what your future job may look like!”
There are two online Q&A sessions where anyone who wants to learn more or is unsure if the Skills Bootcamp is right for them can talk to training providers and companies directly:
Q&A session on July 10
Q&A session on August 5
How will the Green Skills Bootcamp help residents secure green sector jobs?
In order to give participants the technical skills that companies in the green economy want, they receive practical training in land management, arboriculture, and the use of essential tools like chainsaws and woodchippers.
The program boosts participants’ confidence and capacity to apply for jobs successfully by teaching them how to write resumes, prepare for interviews, and prepare for the workplace.
As a direct route from training to work, learners frequently obtain guaranteed interviews with partner firms including Maydencroft, Lampton 360, and Hounslow Highways after completing the program.
In addition to helping with immediate job placement, the training supports economic recovery and the expansion of green sectors by laying the foundation for long-term career pathways in the environmental sector.