Delivering green careers workshops in Thanet
Working for Co-relate, I designed two green careers workshops for 16–25-year-olds in Thanet, helping participants explore pathways into sustainability-focused work. I led every stage of delivery – from shaping the agenda and securing inspiring speakers, to managing outreach, logistics, promotion and on-the-day coordination. The events received fantastic feedback from attendees, local partners and the funder, Thanet District Council.
Co-relate’s video highlight of the careers workshops, filmed and edited by Maximillian Zalewski.
The assignment
With funding from Thanet District Council and in partnership with Power of Women Thanet, Co-relate was tasked with delivering a high-impact pilot programme to build green career awareness and opportunity for local young people.
The aim was to connect 16–25 year olds in Thanet with local organisations leading in sustainability, and to demonstrate pathways into green jobs, volunteering, and training.
The approach
I co-developed and ran two half-day workshops hosted by Louisa Harris, sustainability expert and lecturer at Cambridge University’s Institute of Sustainable Leadership. Working with Co-relate’s managing director Jessica Rose, I led the coordination and delivery of the project, tapping into our excellent existing contacts and relationships with local sustainable businesses, charities and voluntary organisations.
This involved:
shaping a workshop agenda and format focused on practical insight and inspiration
securing speakers from nine local organisations from Thanet’s creative, environmental and social sectors including Sebastian Cox, the Crab Museum and Bon Volks
promoting the programme to 16–25 year olds in Thanet using existing networks, events and partnerships, and through a social media campaign
managing venues, logistics, communications and stakeholder engagement
ensuring successful on-site delivery of the workshops at Pie Factory Music and Marine Studios.
The sessions included expert panels, interactive Q&As, and handouts signposting opportunities for volunteering and work experience.
The first workshop – Lead the way: Skills and careers in sustainable business.
The impact
“Hearing about the variability and quantity of green jobs in Thanet was the best part.”
We had excellent feedback from the young people attending the workshops, as well as the partners and organisations that contributed to the agenda.
Our success was made possible through strong local partnerships and connections – including with POW Thanet, Thanet Youth Network, and Margate Councillor Rob Yates.
Our successes included:
exceeding the target number of 16–25 year olds in attendance across the two days
involving nine local organisations in the agenda, which included a tour of the Sebastian Cox workshop, studio and showroom in Margate
100% of participants said their knowledge of green skills and local opportunities improved
half of participants said they were likely or very likely to apply for work in the green sector
three young people secured work experience and voluntary opportunities over the two days, with more were interested in seeking opportunities as a result of the workshops
Co-relate is actively seeking funding to host future green skills workshops.
The tour of the Sebastian Cox workshop, studio and showroom as part of the second workshop – Be the change you want to see: Making climate action happen.