SustainAbility
SustainAbility is a free-to-join project that helps young people with additional support needs aged 16 to 30 to build skills, find jobs that help the planet, and find their path into green careers.
This project is a joint partnership between Innovate Trust and ELITE Supported Employment. SustainAbility is made possible thanks to The National Lottery Community Fund.
About SustainAbility
SustainAbility is a pan-disability project for 16 to 30 year olds. This means that anyone who has any form of disability, impairment, or additional support or learning needs is welcome to join. It is a free-to-join project designed to help you step into the world of green careers.
Whether it is working in nature, renewable energy, or with eco-friendly businesses, we provide the expert coaching you need to succeed.
Who can join?
SustainAbility is designed for young people aged 16 to 30 who are looking to build a future in Green Careers.
You can join if:
- You are aged between 16 and 30.
- You live in one of the following areas: Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Merthyr Tydfil, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Vale of Glamorgan.
- You are not currently in full-time employment, education, or training.
- You want to build confidence, learn new skills, and explore work in green industries.
- You have a disability. SustainAbility is inclusive and offers tailored support.
Project elements
How SustainAbility works
We want to make sure that disabled people are lead players in the fight against climate change. To do this, we work by:
- Getting to know you: We start by talking about what you enjoy, what you are good at, and what you hope to achieve.
- Creating your profile: We work together to build a list of your skills that helps us learn which green jobs fit you best.
- Finding your perfect match: We search for roles that match your passions and talents.
- Connecting with employers: We talk to local businesses to find people who are excited to welcome you to their team and help you grow.
- Support that lasts: We provide ongoing coaching at work and at home to make sure you feel confident and successful for the future.
How we can support you
SustainAbility is all about supporting you to:
- Discover your talents by getting hands-on practice through volunteering or work placements.
- Get access to training and qualifications and build skills that employers are looking for.
- Get real work experience and placements and learn about the different types of eco-friendly jobs available.
- Take steps toward long-term, meaningful employment and learn to travel independently to work.
You will work one-to-one with a qualified Job Coach who understands how to help you build your confidence and skills.
Inclusion for everyone
We believe that everyone should have the same opportunities, no matter their background. We have designed this project to be extra supportive for:
- Women and girls: We offer women-only sessions and activities like eco-friendly arts and crafts to make sure everyone feels safe and welcome.
- BME communities: We are working hard to ensure our participants from Black and Minority Ethnic backgrounds have access to our support.
- Neurodivergent people: Our person-centred approach means we tailor our support to exactly how you learn and work best.
What is a green career?
A green career is not just about planting trees. It is any job that helps protect our planet, reduces pollution, or saves natural resources.
These jobs are important because they help fight climate change. As the world moves away from fossil fuels, these jobs are becoming the most important roles in our economy.
Why choose a green career?
Green careers are growing faster than almost any other industry in Wales. Wales wants to be net zero (no harmful emissions) by 2050. That means lots of new jobs will be needed!
If you care about the planet and want a job that makes a real difference, a green career through SustainAbility could be your perfect next step.
By choosing a green career, you are becoming part of the solution to the climate crisis.
Ongoing Skills and Wellbeing projects
Project funders
