Thames Estuary Partnership

Blue Connections
Rediscover and reconnect with London's blue spaces

SUMMARY

Listen to our podcast episode detailing

the Blue Connections training programme

At the Thames Estuary Partnership (TEP) we have a whole host of skills and opportunities which can be useful to improve employability. Skills which are transferable into any industry but which can be learned through our ongoing projects, many of which seek to improve the local Thames environment.

We are seeking young people 16-25 years old, who are interested in increasing their employability through our pilot training programme. Whether you are currently in a training programme looking to add to your skillset, or not in education, employment or training and looking for an accessible training programme, we would like to hear from you.

We have designed a modular training programme with face to face and online learning sessions, and hands-on opportunities for those interested in learning life-long skills which are transferable into any industry. Some of the skills we have identified include:

Life-long / transferable skills:
- Introduction to MS Office
- Introduction to Data Science
- Introduction to Geographic Information System (GIS) Science
- Introduction to Communication
The optional module ‘kick start into an environmental career’ include:
- Introduction to an Environmental Career
- Introduction to the Thames Estuary

Taking part in the Blue Connections training programme will not only increase your employability but also broaden your understanding of your local environment, connect you with new people on a similar journey and give you opportunities to connect with potential future employers or apprenticeships. In addition, these skills can help you with personal or community projects you might want to develop.

Some elements of the training are endorsed by the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES) and Institute of Fisheries Management (IFM). We also have generous support from the DataCamp online data science skills training platform. Access will also be given to the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) Student Membership scheme.

Training modules

The training programme also have the added benefit of helping to boost your mental health and wellbeing through building your confidence in yourself through learning new skills and getting more access to nature – blue spaces such as rivers and the River Thames are best and proven to calm the mind and body when you are close to water.

This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about nature on your doorstep, the importance of a healthy environment and how you can be more environmentally friendly at home and work.