Stowmarket Town Council - Stowmarket Town Council

Introduction

The Museum of East Anglian Life is pleased to be able to offer a 4 week work-based learning programme starting 6 February 2012. The programme will give participants the opportunity to:

-          Gain experience of working in a dynamic and exciting environment

-          Gain practical experience in horticulture, land based operations, building and traditional crafts

-          Develop an understanding of local culture and heritage

-          Build confidence and communication skills

-          Gain experience of working as part of a team

 In addition to the core elements of the programme, we would like to offer each trainee a minimum of 3 nationally accredited skills qualifications. These courses would be delivered by our LANTRA Accredited trainer of through links with partnership organisations.

 Who can access the programme?

The Museum of East Anglian Life has an established track record of working successfully with adults (19+) who find themselves disadvantaged from mainstream employment and training opportunities. It is individuals experiencing these circumstances that this programme is aimed towards.

How much time would I have to commit?

The programme is 4 weeks long and runs for 4 days a week Monday to Thursday.

How many people can access the programme?

A maximum of 10 people will be to access the course.

How much support is available?

Every participant will have a weekly meeting with their supervisor. The supervisor will support them to develop an Individual Development Plan (IDP) to identify goals and outcomes during the programme. In addition to this there will be daily contact with the volunteer coordinator as well as regular contact via the “buddy” system. All activities will be supervised by a competent person.

Health and Safety

Every activity will be thoroughly risk assessed and full training will be given when using tools.

Travel arrangements

Financial support can be given to help with travel costs.

Work-based Learning Programme – Core Elements

MEAL’s work-based learning programme is comprised of four core elements:-

a. Personal development

Participants on the programme will benefit from all aspects of being part of a team. The programme will require participants to demonstrate punctuality, reliability and communication skills. A number of team building activities will run through out the programme, enabling individuals to identify their strengths and develop these through their work.

As part of the programme individuals will gain experience in horticulture, land management, animal management, conservation, and one of the following traditional skills:- hurdle making, printing or milling.

Every participant will have a personal development plan written with them at the start of the programme, identifying what they would like to achieve from the course. This programme will be monitored and reviewed weekly by their supervisor. As well as weekly supervision from a MEAL staff member, participants will be paired with a “buddy” who will have daily contact during the programme to ensure high levels of support. Buddies are MEAL volunteers who have been identified as having the appropriate skills to be working in this capacity – all buddies have been CRB checked.

b. Skills development

Participants will undertake a short site project which could include one or more of the following skills areas:

-          Buildings maintenance

Working alongside the estate team carrying out essential buildings maintenance to the many historic buildings on the site

-          Grounds maintenance        

Learning to use lawn mowers, bush cutters and other land based machinery in order to assist in the upkeep of MEAL’s 70 acre site

 Small Animals management

Taking responsibility for the feeding, cleaning out and handling of MEAL’s collection of small animals including, goats, pigs, rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs and chickens

 c. Training

 MEAL is able to offer the following training in house:-

      -          Safe use of bush cutters

-          Safe use of mowers

-          Tractor driving

-          Workshop safety

-          ATV driving

-          Horticulture skills certificate

-          Horticulture NVQ level 1

 Meal has access to the following training through our partners:-

-          Fire Marshall

-          First Aid

-          Forklift driving

In the second week of the programme participants will meet with their supervisor to identify their training needs based on their goals set in the individual development plan.

d. Community and cultural development

Participants will learn about traditional crafts and be able to gain hands on experience in for example hurdle making, printing or milling.

There will also be a session on the course exploring how museums work and learning about some of the 40,000 objects in our collection.

It is hoped that this element will help those undertaking the course feel a stronger connection to their community and East Anglia’s heritage.

How do I apply?

To apply or for further information about the programme contact Paul Palmer on 01449 612229 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Typical Programme