Our Countryside Worker Apprenticeship Programme is a unique opportunity for young people to launch a meaningful career in conservation. By joining Cumbria Wildlife Trust, you’ll gain hands-on experience caring for and restoring our natural heritage, protecting wildlife, and enhancing the environment for future generations.
Along the way, you’ll develop valuable practical skills, build confidence working outdoors, and achieve recognised qualifications that will open doors across the environmental sector. This is your chance to make a real difference while growing your career in nature conservation.
Along the way, you’ll develop valuable practical skills, build confidence working outdoors, and achieve recognised qualifications that will open doors across the environmental sector. This is your chance to make a real difference while growing your career in nature conservation.
In partnership with YDMT, we are excited to announce that our Countryside worker apprenticeship scheme will open soon.
What You'll Learn to Do
- Habitat & species management — Gain hands‑on experience caring for a wide range of habitats, wildlife, and reserve infrastructure.
- Volunteer support — Help maintain and develop an active volunteer network.
- Monitoring & surveying — Learn how to monitor habitats and species across our reserves.
- Public engagement — Support events, activities, and specialist courses for visitors and community groups.
- Practical conservation skills — Training includes tree planting, dry stone walling, species ID, outdoor first aid and more.
Training & Development
Apprentices attend Craven College (near Skipton) once a fortnight, receiving high‑quality vocational training such as:
- First aid
- Brushcutter and tool use
- Quad bike driving
- Dry stone walling
- Fencing
All travel and training costs are fully covered, with each apprentice receiving a £3,000 training budget.
Your Future Career
This apprenticeship builds strong foundations for a career in conservation. Previous apprentices have gone on to roles with:
- Wildlife Trusts
- John Muir Trust
- North Pennines AONB
- National Trust
They now work as wildlife rangers, reserve officers, outdoor educators and more.
If you would like to register your interest and be notified when applications are open, please email admin@cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk