Beyond the steep learning curve, I’ve also really enjoyed my time in this traineeship and working with a really amazing team. It’s been a lifechanging three months, and I can’t wait for the next three.
Trainee Opportunities (click on individual role for more details)
If you're looking for your first paid role in conservation but don't have the skills and experience employers are looking for yet, why not have a look at our Nature’s Recovery and Climate Change Traineeships? Our Traineeships offer excellent opportunities to gain the vital skills and experience needed to gain paid employment in the conservation sector.
Many passionate and talented people want to pursue a career in conservation but lack the necessary skills and experience.
Our Traineeships provide essential skills and experience required through training and work-based learning.
Check out our traineeship opportunities - we have available four unpaid, part-time, roles!
What is the traineeship?
The RWT Traineeship scheme provides Traineeships in Radnorshire Vice- County. We have several different types - from Reserves, to Rivers, Communities, to Land & Farm Advice.
Trainees generally attend two days a week for the length of their Traineeship, undertaking practical experience and training that will boost their chances of successfully gaining paid employment on completion.
What our Trainees do
Trainees spend most of their time in relevant occupational activities, providing sufficient meaningful experience for them to have something they can put on their CV and to use when they apply for jobs at the end of their Traineeship.
Experience provided
The mix of activities varies, depending on the Trainee’s host team.
Experience gained will be relevant to the nature and location of each traineeship and may include:
- habitat management
- tool use and maintenance
- species identification
- volunteer management
- organising events
- community organising
- campaign development and delivery
- website and social media content creation
- health and safety
What training is on offer?
In addition to the vital skills acquired through occupational activities, the Trainee scheme develops skills through training.
There is a programme of core training, with relevant modules available to Trainees. Trainees will be supported by their mentor through regular one to one meetings to set, review against and update objectives that are relevant to the Trainee's development plan.
Core training
The core training is largely conducted in-house, by subject-matter experts - usually members of staff. The programme comprises several one-day courses, which are reinforced by work-based activities to consolidate the learning and give trainees real experience.
All trainees take part in Introduction to RWT, and Interview and Application Skills training. In addition, additional optional relevant training is available. Examples of the optional modules available include:
Reserves Management Planning
Conservation Grazing
Publicity and social media
Campaigns and advocacy
Community Organising
Safety on Site
Tools workshop
Leading Practical Groups (Volunteers)
Leading a Guided Walk or an event
Individual Personal Development Plan
At the start of the Traineeship, each Trainee will meet with their mentor to agree objectives in line with the Trainee's development plan. This process provides Trainees with the opportunity to set relevant objectives for the duration of their Traineeship. These are reviewed and updated regularly during one-to-one meetings with their mentor.
In addition to the training and experience opportunities above, geared to assist Trainees in entering the conservation workforce, the Trust provides Trainees with relevant nationally certified training and compensates for some travel expenses.
Will I get paid?
This position is voluntary; however, you will receive training, travel expenses and £200 to cover accredited training courses, thanks to players of People's Postcode Lottery through Pioneer Funding and The National Lottery Community Fund.
What you'll need
Applicants should have a keen interest in UK wildlife conservation, a good level of fitness and be willing to work with, supervise and lead volunteers.
This traineeship is open to all ages - if you're a career-changer or fresh out of university, please get in touch!