EcoTalent
Bringing new talent into the environment sector.
Feedback is working with talented young people who are passionate about the environment and want to make a difference, but currently feel that working in the environmental and food sector is inaccessible to them because of their background or life experiences.
Simultaneously, we are forming partnerships with host organisations who wish to benefit from the energy, enthusiasm and talent that young people can bring, and from the new voices and fresh perspectives they offer.
Since June 2020 we have been bringing these two together through creating a range of quality internships paid at the Living Wage. So, whether you are a bright young person aged 18-24 or an organisation working towards a more sustainable future – especially those working in food and/or campaigning – we want to hear from you.
What's the problem?
Our society and ecology is in the midst of an unprecedented period of crisis. We all have a part to play in holding our governments and companies to account, and we all need the environmental knowledge and empowerment to do so.
But currently Climate Change is only taught briefly as part of the geography and science curriculums, with little practical application. Young people feel anxious and disempowered: those who wish to pursue a career in campaigning or other environmental causes may find the professional sector inaccessible to them. Across the third sector, unpaid internships are all too common, limiting the opportunity to a minority of people.
This has caused a severe lack of diversity in the environmental workforce, limiting the sector’s ability to reach out to and properly represent wider communities.
What's the solution?
We need to break down the barriers that restrict access to the environmental and food sector. We need to create opportunities that are open, on level terms, to all. This is not a problem that can be solved overnight; but we can take the first steps in demonstrating a better, more equitable approach.
We must also recognise that while all young people are affected by climate change, the starting point for each – in terms of knowledge and awareness of environmental issues and solutions – is different. At Feedback we know how powerful food can be as a tool for introducing and learning about the environment. This is why we have designed EcoTalent to be a career-focused programme centred around food.
EcoTalent is one of 31 Our Bright Future projects across the UK; each one is equipping youth to make a difference in their local community and for the environment. Our Bright Future is a £33 million programme funded by the National Lottery Community Fund.
And in the summer of 2021, we will be incorporating the government’s Kickstart Scheme.
Through EcoTalent, Feedback is offering a significant number of work placements with environmental organisations. The coming placements will last up to 6 months and will be paid Living Wage. Young people aged 16-24 may apply, and placements will be made with host organisations working in the nexus of food and the environment.
Placements will have either a practical or campaigning focus. Practical placements will include host organisations such as community kitchens, farms, and other growing projects – an opportunity to learn about the food system and its effect on the environment as well as the practical skills of how to provide the food of and for the future.
Through this dual action work – by helping to resource and create opportunity, whilst improving access to them for underrepresented young people – we are building a sector which delivers change for the planet and its people.
Are you a young person and want to find out more? Download our infosheet
Are you interested in hosting a young person? If you are, you can read about the Kickstart Scheme and our offer.
Latest updates in this campaign
As part of our EcoTalent project, seven young people took part in…
How our food is produced, what we eat and what we throw…
What can you do to make a difference?
Read our infosheet with key details about the EcoTalent programme and who can apply.
Read nowKickstart scheme
For the next phase of the project, we are incorporating the Government’s Kickstart Scheme into EcoTalent, now working with hosts to provide a 6 month, 25 hours per week placements for young people aged 16-24.
The Kickstart scheme offers employers funding to create placements for young people facing unemployment in the wake of the Covid pandemic. Through the scheme it could boost both you and local talented young people.
The funding covers:
• 100% of the National Minimum Wage (or the National Living Wage depending on the age of the participants) for 25 hours per week for a total of 6 months
• Associated employer National Insurance contributions
• Employer minimum automatic enrolment
• £1,500 grant towards administration, training and development per intern.
What Feedback offers host organisations?
Feedback is able to offer a comprehensive package of support as a result of the support of the National Lottery Community Fund through the Our Bright Future programme. As a result, we can offer a training and development package which is comprehensive and focussed on maximising the impact of the programme for hosts, and for young people. We’re able to provide a programme based on what’s needed, not just what will be enough.
If you are interest and want to discuss further, please get in touch with James Turner, EcoTalent project manager: james@feedbackglobal.org.
Intern's Experience
See how our EcoTalent interns got on at GROW
Read about Hannah’s Experience on Sutton Community Farm
