Careers
National Trust Careership Scheme
How do you learn to be a
Countryside Warden? Mostly by doing it is the answer. That is the idea of the
National Trust's
training scheme for Countryside Wardens, called "Careership".
Careership is a practical three-year training programme specifically designed
to develop the expertise required to look after the countryside. The programme
includes chances to learn both theory and practical skills at college and at
a National Trust property.
Trainees are offered an area of National Trust owned countryside to provide
a range of experience under the guidance of an experienced Warden. The theory
learnt both at college and at the work place is developed into the practical
hands-on skills that are often unique to the property, as well as learning how
to work as part of a team and the public.
At the end of the three year scheme the trainee Countryside Wardens have gained
an NVQ level 2 & 3 in Environmental Conservation administered by City &
Guilds, as well as a wealth of practical skills and knowledge. Coupled with
this are relevant certificates such as the safe use of Chainsaws, small tree
felling and the use of pesticides administered by the National Proficiency Test
Council, as well as information technology skills and First Aid certification.
Careership is open to people from all walks of life with varying degrees of
experience and expertise, whether it be school leavers or people looking for
a career change. Although a number of people gain jobs within the National Trust,
a number also find jobs outside the organisation, but come back at a later date.
To see some examples, read on below, or see the
account
specially written for Naturenet by Former Careership Student Dan Billington.
1: After discovering a degree course in Land Management
did not fulfill his practical expectations, Simon Garner joined Careership as
a Trainee Warden at the Golden Cap Estate in Dorset. Simon then continued as
a Warden in Wiltshire for four years and is now Area Warden for the West Devon
coast, heading a team of three as well as supervising a Careership Trainee Warden.
2: Scott Dixon joined Careership straight from school as a trainee Warden, then
after completing the scheme left the National Trust and subsequently came back
to the organisation as a Forestry Warden at Cragside, Northumberland. Since
returning to the organisation Scott has gained a HND in forestry and is now
supervising staff and a trainee.
If you want to find out about this scheme you can visit the National
Trust's Learning and Discovery website or contact careership@nationaltrust.org.uk
This page was researched by former NT Careership trainee
Dan Billington - now an employed Warden. Details correct for 2001/2 season.
