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Overview

Gamelea Countryside Training Trust (GCTT) is a registered Charity delivering accredited vocational land based and rural skills qualifications to all, in particular those with a learning disability. We are a non residential, day facilities only establishment.

The Trust firmly believes that employment is a real option for many people with a disability.  Past experience has shown that although businesses may want to help, they rarely have the time and resources to spare in order to put in the level of training needed to employ this particular group of people.

With help from a variety of funders, a series of mini-businesses have been developed under the umbrella of Gamelea Enterprises Ltd whose profits are donated to GCTT.

To ensure students are ready for work. Experienced and caring trainers are employed to continually push the barriers and deliver skills, knowledge and a work ethic to students who in turn are stretched and fulfilled. All skills are taught by positive reinforced feedback.

Basic skills needs are addressed continually as they are seamlessly embedded into all activities.  Notable improvements are made to students’ key skills ie communication, working with others etc. and soft outcomes can now be accredited.

Close links with other agencies such as Social Services, NHS, LEA, Mencap, Ability and other related organisations ensure that students’ needs and choices are being met.

We offer horticulture, agriculture, woodcrafts, mechanics/metal craft, horse care, small animal care, Music Technology and I.T. please see services for more information.

When a potential student is introduced to Gamelea, an application form is completed and a taster day is arranged in order that the student and the organisation are sure that the placement is the correct one.   

 

After five weeks, during which time the student is introduced to most of the activities, an on-site, a review is held with the student and carer.  A decision is then made as to which course or courses would be most suitable and an individual learning plan is created.  A review is held every four months. 

 

Students may be funded directly by Social Services or by direct payments at a cost of £55.00 per day.  As we try to instil the work ethic it is essential that students arrive for training on time, dressed appropriately and ready to begin by 9.00AM, the working day will continue to around 3.00PM.

 

It is not possible for us to provide transport but students are encouraged to use public transport or arrange their own transport using taxis or other means.

 

After three years if the student is not ready for work, but has shown genuine progression, a further three years funding may be available.  For those who have achieved qualifications and who feel that they are ready to work, employment opportunities are available in many ways, such as volunteering, supported employment, and the possibility of paid employment – at the national minimum rate - within permitted work rules.

 

Please DOWNLOAD our full prospectus for more information on all the above services in Microsoft word format, or contact Elizabeth@rurallifeskills.co.uk