We are committed to the principle that high-quality jobs and education are essential to improving the lives of people and families in the communities we work alongside. This was, after all, one of the primary reasons Gloucester Services was created – which since opening in 2014 now employs over 400 people.

Neighbourhood learning opportunities are crucial in breaking down barriers to accessing education, boosting individual confidence, and connecting people to opportunities in their communities.

Courses and opportunities

As part of our unique partnership with Westmorland Family, we work together to create learning and work opportunities for local residents at Gloucester Services, including our Bridging the Gap and Limited Edition courses.

We also work with our community partnership and other organisations based locally to offer other training and skills courses, including through the SPARK programme.

Bridging the Gap

Limited Edition

The GEM Project

Over six years the GEM Project, which was managed by Gloucestershire Gateway Trust on behalf of the lead organisation Gloucestershire County Council, supported over 2,000 participants from Gloucestershire who were facing barriers to employment to get closer towards or into work.

GEM Project Navigator Developer Scion talks to a participant about the GEM Project at GL Communities in Gloucester

Dan, a GEM participant, in the Fair Shares woodwork workshop. Picture by Andrew Higgins/Thousand Word Media.

Read more about the GEM Project, it’s impact and legacy.