Evaluating climate squad
Icaro undertook an evaluation of this training programme run by Global Action Plan and aimed at a NEET audience (young people Not in Education, Employment or Training). The evaluation comprised three phases of research, including research with past trainees, potential future trainees and with NEET providers.
Key findings included:
- Reactions to Climate Squad among young people who have completed the course are overwhelmingly positive. Participants have a high level of understanding about what the training is trying to do, and describe the training, variously, as ‘interesting’, ‘educational’ and ‘enjoyable’.
- Participants report a range of benefits, including the development of skills like working in a team (81%), communicating effectively (70%) and creative thinking (70%). In addition to transferable skills, trainees also developed environmental literacy – for example, the majority felt that have a greater understanding of environmental issues (76%), and feel confident in communicating climate change effectively (74%).
- Initial motivations for undertaking the course are: 1) the appeal of a BTEC qualification, 2) developing new skills, 3) doing something different/practical. Even though the environment does not feature highly, there is more interest after fthe course - suggesting that young people can be engaged on environmental issues through ‘doing’.
