Dorset Wildlife Trust has welcomed eight aspiring young conservationists on a year-long training programme, aiming to strengthen the conservation workforce 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 four trainees per year over a three 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 five practical posts and three education posts being filled by Amy Baker, Charlie Forrest, Claire Thackwray, Sally Wright, Tom Raymond, Megan Lowe, Kerrie Gardner and Emma Godden.
Emma Godden, based at the Fine Foundation Marine Centre in Kimmeridge Bay, said, “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.”
You can follow what the trainees are up to throughout the year by visiting the Dorset Wildlife Trust blog: http://dorsetwildlifetrust.wordpress.com
