» Training «

We work in partnership with Welsh education providers to offer real-world training to young people. Our programmes build skills in a wide range of professional areas while also supporting participants' interpersonal development. We run placements in partnership with Cardiff University, University of South Wales, The Salvation Army and Merthyr College and offer career-making intensive learning experiences that stand out on CVs, allowing them to build new professional networks and work alongside top industry professionals.

Since 2018, we have delivered 248 placements and 41% of participants are now employed in the creative industries.

Paid work placements and volunteer work experience cover anything from Media Production, Operations, Logistics, Marketing, Accreditation & Guest Management, Development & Fundraising, Artist Liaison, Finance & Administration and Waste & Recycling Management.

Rubie was completing her English Literature and History BA at Cardiff University when she successfully applied for a Green Man Trust placement. She joined the Green Man Festival Marketing team for a 2-month intensive work experience where she worked closely with the festival’s Welsh PR Agency, Front Door Communications. After completing her placement, Rubie was recruited by Front Door as an Account Executive while studying for her English Literature MA. She now works full-time with the team writing press releases, blogs and planning social media campaigns and is on their Green Man dedicated press team.

‘Gaining work experience at Green Man during my time at university was so important. It made me stand out to future employers, proving my ability to apply myself to different jobs alongside academic studies. Working at the festival was an incredible experience and something I will never forget. It was not just the advice of the team but the kindness and spirit of the festival that stood out. Working in an office environment was new to me, but we were made to feel comfortable and encouraged to ask questions about the work we were doing. Every single person I worked with was willing to talk about their experiences of getting into the industry and offer insights and advice. Working with such a diverse range of people really helped me to develop my communication skills and made me more aware of the complexities of working with so many different people.’ Rubie Barker

Working in partnership with community support organisations, we run a training project that supports the integration of refugees and asylum seekers in Wales. It’s all about developing confidence and a sense of purpose and belonging, and extending a warm Welsh welcome while they settle into their new lives. The project also offers a chance for participants to engage with people and experiences outside their community.

Participants learn new skills in:

• Health & safety, fire evacuation procedures, crowd management and customer services

• Welsh language, communication, teamwork, leadership, time management and interpersonal skills

Since 2018, we have offered 191 training placements to people from 52 different nationalities.

Born in San Carlos Sula Cortés, Honduras, Alis trained to be a chef from the age of 15, gaining experience in many restaurants and kitchens over the space of around seven years and even going on to set up his own roast meat business. Unfortunately, the gang violence that gripped the city he lived in eventually encroached upon his own life and livelihood when his sister was threatened with kidnapping. Alis, his mother, sister and brother had to flee the country to escape the threat of violence and in 2019 they arrived in the UK and two months later travelled to Cardiff. He began volunteering with Oasis Cardiff, learning English and putting his culinary skills to use as a member of the kitchen team and not long after he found himself as part of their team at Green Man. He is now the proud Chef & Catering Manager of Oasis Cardiff’s Global Eats food trailer.

‘If I had to say [which has been my favourite moment so far] it’s when we had our first time at Green Man. It was my first time dealing with customers. So it was a test of not just my skills as a chef but speaking English. I was really nervous! But then it was fun…We were really busy, but it was a good time with my mates at work. It was stressful but funny at the same time and at night we could go hear some music which was good.

Honestly, it’s not just the event, it’s the people. The feedback is really nice, it makes me feel really proud of what we do and who we are. It’s all the support of all the people. It’s a good feeling. (...) It's not our fault for trying to get a better life. Whatever the reason, wherever we’ve been, it’s not safe. Back in my own country, I had my own business and my own life, I had everything. I came not because I wanted to, but because my life was in danger. It’s not a choice, really.’ Alis