Recruitment is carried out by the Agence pour le développement de l’emploi (ADEM) in collaboration with the Service national de la jeunesse (SNJ) and the Lycée Technique Agricole (LTA).
ADEM has a database of all unemployed people. They inform candidates about training opportunities, and redirect those interested to the Centre d’Orientation Socio-Professionnelle (COSP). COSP and ADEM offers additional support to young people with disabilities, based upon an assessment of the greater obstacles to reintegration they might encounter.
The training lasts seven months and combines practical and theoretical elements.
The focus of the training is less on gardening (working with equipment and tools, developing an understanding of what gardening is) in itself and more on social skills (being on time at work, working eight hour days, working in a team, becoming autonomous,...).
During the first two months of the programme, COSP provides socio-educational and psychological support.
Thereafter, the FPE follows participants during the practical training and LTA does the same during the theoretical training.
In additional, participants’ progress in developing skills is measured and reviewed (skills are assessed each month of training through a questionnaire) - they are awarded a certificate upon completion.
The evaluation focuses more on the development of social skills (time management, attendance, teamwork, independence, etc) than on horticultural competencies.
The training programme is co-produced with the involvement of individual participants, FPE, LTA, COSP, and ADEM.
At the start of each participant’s time on the programme, there is a meeting which explores exactly what they expect from the training, their wishes and aspirations and details of just how they want their participation to happen so that they feel safe and secure. The approach is rooted in a notion of developing deep, meaningful and positive relationships with participants - relationships based on mutual regard and appreciation and on developing self-esteem as well as skills and knowledge.
Participants are supported and encouraged to prepare themselves for their seven-month training programme at COSP and FPE through completing a questionnaire which is then constantly reevaluated over the entire training period. The questionnaire focusses on the participant’s work relation to colleagues and superiors and their intrinsic motivation to progress in their life as well as their job.
Towards the end of each participant’s time on the training programme, a meeting takes place where they are supported and encouraged to give their advice as to how to improve the training itself as well as to discuss their future plans, ambitions, fears and hopes.
For both post-training opportunities, the Chamber of Agriculture in Luxembourg is able to offer help to young people in the market gardening sector.
