How to apply

Applications for admission can be made at any time of the year using our application form, which can be downloaded into a Word document from the link below or via the Contact Us page.  The information provided will be considered by an admission panel, and if the applicant's profile fits our entry criteria, they will be asked to attend an interview at Cowfold.

Successful applicants will be offered a placement on the basis of a 5 week trial period.   If that experience is seen to be constructive by both parties, a position will be offered for a period of up to 2 years - depending on the applicant's age and circumstances.   Trainees who stay for a two year period usually benefit more, as they have extra time in which to learn and consolidate their crafts and will therefore have better employment opportunities when they leave.

No fees or other charges are made for the training. The Foundation is a non profit making organisation and the income generated by the business activities at Camelia Botnar Homes and Gardens help to fund the charity. 

Tutoring:

Trainees are encouraged to aim for NVQs, Key Skills Certificates and other relevant vocational qualifications, either directly in the workplace, or at local colleges. The Foundation has a Key Skills tutor on site for teaching individually or in small groups as required.

Wages/Working Day:

Trainees are paid by the hour, on a four weekly basis, with weekly subs paid to assist with cash management. A deduction is made to contribute towards board and lodging costs and an amount is also deducted for savings, with the aim of building up a lump sum for use towards accommodation and/or other costs which will arise when the trainee eventually leaves.

Working hours are 8.45am to 5pm Monday to Friday with half an hour for lunch. Packed lunches are provided on working days.

Self Development/Evening Studies:

The ethos is to instil into trainees that hard work, good work ethics and a commitment to succeed in the workplace can bring personal and professional success.  For example, trainees have the opportunity to have their wages increased every six months depending on their performance.     Also the Foundation has a purpose designed library, stocked with books, journals, and multi-media resources, including internet links for wider research.

Accommodation:

Living accommodation is initially provided in the main house on the estate and   will be a single room.   Breakfast and evening meals are taken in the main house dining room.   In due course, trainees will move out to the Coach House, which is a short walk from the main building. The Coach House  has 16 single bedded rooms,  a  tv room and separate laundry facilities. Whilst there are facilities for making hot drinks and light refreshments, the Coach House occupants will still take breakfast and evening meals in the main house dining room.

When individuals are considered to be capable and ready, independent accommodation is provided in a number of cottages on the Estate where trainees cater entirely for themselves. Weekly trips are made to the local superstore to buy provisions, and to the local general stores for small shopping items.

At weekends trainees organise their own time and activities, mostly returning home or visiting friends.  Alternatively, there may be opportunities for weekend overtime at Camelia Botnar Homes and Gardens.

Evening entertainment:

The Foundation has superb sporting and recreational facilities which are located in and around the main house complex.   These include table tennis, snooker hall, gymnasium, sports hall for indoor football, basketball, badminton, weights room, squash court, satellite TV, football pitch, tennis courts, library and computer room.

Download your application form and return it to the Maplehurst Road address

Download our Brochure A4 paper, 7 pages

Our facilities

VISITS TO THE FOUNDATION

Although we are not open to the general public or possible future applicants, we do sometimes offer a short tour of the Estate to Social Workers and other organisations who may wish to refer or assist young people with their applications.  If you are interested in joining our next organised visit, please contact enquiries@cameliabotnar.com