SOCIAL enterprise NOW Group has teamed up with idverde, one of the UK and Europe’s leading providers of grounds maintenance services and landscape creation projects, to deliver 15 jobs in Northern Ireland.
Focussed on supporting people with learning difficulties and autism into sustainable employment, a new horticultural academy will be launched at idverde’s head office in Ballyclare, providing training for 10 people.
The remaining jobs will be filled in Portadown, Dungannon, Limavady, Downpatrick and Irvinestown, in positions in grounds maintenance services such as landscaping, grass cutting and green waste removal with a strong focus on biodiversity and sustainability.
Diane Hill, director of business and organisational development at NOW Group, said: “This is our first strategic partnership with a company in the horticultural industry. Idverde are leading the way, and it’s clear they see real value in collaborating with a social enterprise and the importance of proactively developing a diverse workforce.
“One of the best things about this partnership is that the available roles are widespread across the country, providing a new vocational option which would be ideal for any NOW Group participant that wants a new challenge with a leading company.”
With over 1600 participants, NOW Group works with businesses to fill vacancies with skilled and committed candidates with disabilities. It plans to support 200 people into jobs this year with academies currently running in sectors such as hospitality, tourism, ICT and cyber security.
Gemma Fawcett, sustainability manager at idverde added: “We’re pleased to be partnering with the NOW Group to offer these opportunities, including the new training academy.
“We pride ourselves on being inclusive, ensuring social value is fully embedded in everything we do. We work with both public and private sectors to deliver tailored solutions for each project’s unique requirements.
“We share much of the same values as the NOW Group including, collaboration, impact and accountability - which was a huge motivation behind the formation of this partnership.”
For more information on the roles or to apply, visit www.nowgroup.org/training-jobs or email paddy.crothers@nowgroup.org
