The Camelia Botnar Foundation

Camelia Botnar exists to support and train young people having a tough time. We enable them to transform their lives.

....."the Foundation has put me on the right track and given me a qualification. I am confident that I can now succeed in life"

....."the Foundation has taught me a trade and put me on the right path. I came with nothing and will leave a fully qualified Carpenter".

....."I now have a job that I like doing, and a future to look forward to. If I didn't have this place in my life I would have nothing!"

....."this has opened up a whole new world of possibilities for me. It has kept me busy and out of trouble and tree surgery is what I always wanted to do"

....."before I came here I used to be hyper and never cared about anything, I am now calmer and can do my own washing and ironing. I enjoy my work and am more focused"

....."the Foundation got me out of bed, on the right track and enjoying a proper job"

The Camelia Botnar Foundation

Camelia Botnar exists to support and train young people having a tough time. We enable them to transform their lives.

....."the Foundation has put me on the right track and given me a qualification. I am confident that I can now succeed in life"

....."the Foundation has taught me a trade and put me on the right path. I came with nothing and will leave a fully qualified Carpenter".

....."I now have a job that I like doing, and a future to look forward to. If I didn't have this place in my life I would have nothing!"

....."this has opened up a whole new world of possibilities for me. It has kept me busy and out of trouble and tree surgery is what I always wanted to do"

....."before I came here I used to be hyper and never cared about anything, I am now calmer and can do my own washing and ironing. I enjoy my work and am more focused"

....."the Foundation got me out of bed, on the right track and enjoying a proper job"

The Camelia Botnar Foundation was created to support young adults aged between 16 and 21 who are disadvantaged or in problematic situations. The foundation provides residential training and work experience, helping young people to learn a skilled trade, embark on a useful career path and successfully make their own way in life.

Departments

A new beginning for 16 to 21 year olds in difficult circumstances:

Totally funded by the Camelia Botnar Foundation
Training and qualifications all paid for
Courses and tests all paid for
Equipment all paid for
Work experience & team building
Driving theory support
Life skills
Gym, sports hall, pool/snooker tables and TV lounge
FREE accommodation, food and WIFI (no bills)
FREE trips out (bowling, karting, kayaking, cinema)
£100 spending money every weekend
A bonus of up to £500 after completing each 3 month stage

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I come to look around?

Yes, we welcome visits from professionals working with young people. They can also bring the young person or people they work with. Just get in touch via enquiries@cameliabotnar.com or 01403 864556 to arrange a visit.

Can I come to look around?

Yes, we welcome visits from professionals working with young people. They can also bring the young person or people they work with. Just get in touch via enquiries@cameliabotnar.com or 01403 864556 to arrange a visit.

Do I have to live nearby?

If you get a place at Camelia Botnar, you will stay here each week for the whole week. We will pay for your journey by train to the nearest train station to your home and back each weekend. It is important that you are happy with the length of that journey. You will be getting a train on Fridays at about 5:30pm from Horsham station to go home. You can check this on https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/

What is the application process?

On the website there is an application tab. You will first fill out a short form with your details and this will then send you an automatic link to a full application and risk assessment form. We like a professional who is working with you to fill out the risk assessment form.

Once we have received your application and risk assessment, it will be reviewed by a small panel and you should be contacted within approximately 10 days to confirm if you fit our criteria and can be put on a waiting list.

How long is the waiting list?

Waiting lists change a lot all the time, so it is difficult to say how long you will have to wait before you can start. If you are successful, we will let you know what number you are on the waiting list. It is really important you apply for the department you are interested in and not the one with the shortest list. You will be coming to Camelia Botnar for training and to gain qualifications, so choose carefully as you have to be real about your commitment.

When will I get an interview?

If you are confirmed to meet our criteria, you will be put on a waiting list. When you get to the top of the waiting list, you will be contacted to attend an interview.

What happens at the interview?

You can bring along family and social workers to your interview, and you will get a tour of our facilities. We will then sit down and ask some questions to get to know you. There will be 3 or 4 people on the interview panel. We will usually inform you if you have been successful a day or so after the interview.

What clothes do I bring when I start?

Please bring casual clothing for the evenings, old clothes for the workday, toiletries and towels. We provide work boots and the other protective equipment required. We also provide fresh bedding.

Is it term times like school or college?

No. At Camelia Botnar the programme starts when you start, which can be any time of the year. Every person is on an individual programme. We operate a work-based training programme, so it carries on all year. Your course will be in 3-month blocks, and you can take a week off after each 3 months. We also shut down for a week over Christmas. See our Programme webpage for more detail.

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