Dorset Wildlife Trust has welcomed eight new aspiring young conservationists on a year-long training programme, aiming to strengthen the conservation work force and improve job prospects. The Skills for the Future programme is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and helps individuals across the country gain the practical skills they need to confidently seek employment in the sector.
Dorset Wildlife Trust has been involved in the scheme since 2011, having secured funding for 4 trainees per year over a 3 year period. The programme has been so successful that DWT has been able to double the number of participants for 2013. All previous trainees have gone on to gain paid work within the conservation sector. This year sees trainees placed all over Dorset, with 5 practical posts and 3 education posts being filled by Amy Baker, Charlie Forrest, Claire Thackwray, Sally Wright, Tom Raymond, Megan Lowe, Kerrie Gardner and Emma Godden.
Steve Davis (above), Volunteering Programme Manager at Dorset Wildlife Trust, said: “Only 7 weeks in and they already have a stream of training courses that are desirable to potential employers under their belts, such as First Aid, Health and Safety, Manual Handling and Food Hygiene, with upcoming courses including chainsaw qualifications and Forest Schools training for the practical and environmental education trainees respectively.”
Emma Godden (above), 2013 Trainee, based at the Fine Foundation Marine Centre in Kimmeridge Bay, explains: “I live for the outdoors and ultimately would love to be sharing my enthusiasm in an environmental education/engagement post in the future. As a result, my training will largely focus on community engagement, connecting people with the natural world and enabling them to enjoy and learn about nature. So for me 2013 is a year full of opportunities for my personal and professional development.”
Megan Lowe, 2013 Trainee, based at the Fine Foundation Chesil Beach Centre, said: “I feel very fortunate to be part of this programme. Dorset Wildlife Trust has an exciting and varied calendar planned for us over the year; already we have taken part in species identification sessions, helped prepare events such as Walk for Wildlife and assisted the wardens with practical habitat management, to name just a few!”
You can follow what the trainees are up to throughout the year by visiting the Dorset Wildlife Trust blog: https://dorsetwildlifetrust.wordpress.com or visit: dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/Skills_for_the_Future.html
