BUDS now provides two distinct streams of training and employability programmes, phased to assist individuals break through the barriers they may be encountering. The training courses are taught by tutors from a local college but are organized, developed and facilitated by BUDS staff, who also provide individual support to service users.

The ‘Gateway’ programme consists of four training courses, and an optional creative art course. All the courses run for two hours, one day a week over six weeks. Each participant chooses two to four courses each from a perm including computing, literacy & numeracy, first aid, conflict resolution, working with others, preparing for work/study and other personal development courses.

‘Opening Doors’ is a more structured pre-employment programme, run in partnership with the Glasgow College of Nautical Studies. The programme runs for 12 weeks for 13 hours per week. It is SQA accredited and focuses in ICT and a range of pre employment skills in order to prepare the participants for a job, volunteering or further education. Participants will also undertake a week long work placement with local employers. On leaving ‘Opening Doors’ they then move on to other training or jobs.

Funded by ‘Glasgow’s Learning’, BUDS also employs two adult literacy tutors. One is based in the Adelphi Centre and the other works with people in their local communities offering one to one support. There is a high demand from service users for this reflecting the level of trust they have in the project and its staff.

BUDS also provides a range of volunteering opportunities - most notably our highly successful allotment in the Gorbals - which give individuals the chance to build skills and confidence and occupy their time meaningfully.