Countryside Worker

Countryside Workers are the custodians of our rural outdoor scenery. They conserve the environment that makes the English countryside both distinctive and special. They take care of our protected landscapes – National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), National Nature Reserves as well as private landed estates, country and, to a degree, urban parks.

These cover huge amounts of our country, for example 25% of England is covered by National Parks and AONBs while National Nature Reserves cover an additional 60,000 hectares across 143 separate sites. Wildlife Trusts and Rivers Trusts also employ Countryside Workers in their environmental and conservation work.

Countryside Workers carry out specific environmental and conservation tasks and they will also be clear about how practical conservation work interacts with the productive and recreational use of the countryside, including allied farming (livestock and crop production) and sporting activities (most commonly fishing and shooting) and how these relate to countryside management practices. For example, a Countryside Worker would know that work on paths on upland farms should avoid lambing season and that work on grouse habitat should be done in the winter.

Countryside Workers will be able and willing to do challenging work outdoors, in a variety of locations, which may be remote, including moorland, heathland, woodland and coast, interact with the public and explain their work as well as undertaking their role all year round in a variety of weathers, both on their own and as part of a team.

The following will be provided as part of the apprenticeship:

The Safe Use of Pesticides (PA1) NPTC – Award – Level 2
Brushcutters and Strimmers training
Level 3 award in Emergency First Aid at Work
Chainsaw Maintenance and Cross-cutting C&G – Certificate of Competence – Level 2

As part of the apprenticeship programme you will be required to undertake both on and off-the-job training. While your employer will be responsible for your training on-the-job (workplace), the College and your employer will be jointly responsible for your off-the-job training enabling you to help develop the right knowledge, skills and behaviours to become competent in your job role.

You will attend College on a block-release basis during term-time for the duration of your programme with us, to gain knowledge and develop some practical skills. The College will agree additional off-the-job training with your employer to ensure you develop the majority of your skills and behaviours in the workplace.