Live, Learn, Earn: Developing Skills and Building Connections
R-Evolve, a Community Interest Company based in Peebles, Scottish Borders, received funding from the Langhope Rig Community Fund to deliver its "Live, Learn, Earn" project at Selkirk High School.
The project aimed to teach young people aged 12-18 practical metalworking skills by creating community installations from recycled bicycle parts, while developing their employability prospects and strengthening community connections.
About R-Evolve
Established in 2020, R-Evolve focuses on improving employment options for young people through education, training and skills development, with particular emphasis on bike repair and metalwork.
Its youth employability scheme targets young people who find formal educational environments challenging, providing an alternative learning space where they can develop practical skills such as safe use of power tools and welding techniques. R-Evolve operates across various schools and community organisations throughout the Scottish Borders, engaging with around 200 young people annually.
The Live, Learn, Earn Project
The funded Live, Learn, Earn project delivered 36 workshop sessions at Selkirk High School, teaching metal fabrication skills to students from the Ettrick and Yarrow, Lilliesleaf, Ashkirk and Midlem communities.
The sessions were structured as three blocks of 12 weeks, with each block serving a group of 12 students who attended 1.5-hour sessions across a full day each week.
Initially, the project planned to create four community installations in different locations within and outwith the Fund area.
However, after consultation with the community and fund operators, efforts were focused on creating a substantial installation for the Lilliesleaf community garden – decorative two-part gates made from recycled bicycle parts.
Community Collaboration
A key success factor was the collaboration with local artist Rob Hain from Lilliesleaf, who helped canvas community opinion through his involvement with 'Leaf Green', the group supporting the community garden space. This consultation identified that decorative gates would best serve the community's needs.
The project became a genuine community effort when two separate community members donated gates to serve as the basis for the metalwork. The young people then applied their newly acquired skills to transform these gates using recycled bicycle parts, creating functional art for the community space.
Aegir from E-Evolve said:
The fund gave young people opportunities to discover new abilities and work together to create items for community projects. With additional support from Selkirk High School, the fund enabled non-curricular metalworking sessions where young people learned skills, designed and fabricated items themselves. For communities, the project integrated young people's perspectives and energies, enlivening efforts to create lasting improvements to local life and inclusivity.
Skills Development and Qualifications
Beyond learning practical metalworking skills, participants in the Live, Learn, Earn project worked towards recognised youth achievement awards and relevant SQA National 4 qualifications. This approach provided them with evidence of the skills they had developed, helping to improve their prospects for apprenticeships or vocational college courses after leaving school.
The programme specifically supported young people who might otherwise find it challenging to access positive destinations upon leaving school, giving them a portfolio of evidence of their learning and improved soft skills like teamwork and communication.
Environmental Impact
An important aspect of the Live, Learn, Earn project was its focus on upcycling and reuse of materials. By repurposing bicycle parts that would otherwise go to landfill, the project aligned with environmental sustainability principles that were particularly valued by the community groups involved.
Outcomes and Impact
The Live, Learn, Earn project delivered several significant outcomes:
- 63 young people from the Fund area developed practical vocational skills and achieved qualifications that enhanced their employability.
- Students experienced improved motivation, self-confidence and teamwork skills applicable in workplace settings.
- Intergenerational connections were formed between young people and community members.
- The Lilliesleaf community garden received beautiful, functional gates that enhanced the space.
- Community ties were strengthened through collaborative creation of assets for community benefit.
Lessons Learned
R-Evolve found that working through Selkirk High School as a community hub was highly effective for reaching individual communities and engaging their most active members. The Live, Learn, Earn project provided valuable learning about the importance of messaging intentions and genuinely engaging with communities to understand their priorities. The enthusiastic response from stakeholders demonstrated the value of the approach, which R-Evolve plans to use as a template for future activities.
Future Plans
All stakeholders involved in the Live, Learn, Earn project are keen to see it continue and extend its positive impact to other communities covered by the fund. Selkirk High School has signalled their continued support, including financial contributions, and R-Evolve plans to apply for multi-year support in the next funding round to bring similar projects to other communities in the area. The success of the Lilliesleaf gates project has created a strong foundation for expanding R-Evolve's community benefit work while continuing to provide valuable skills development for young people who might otherwise struggle in traditional educational settings.