Summary To carry out practical ‘hands on’ conservation works at Walkmill Community Woodland and other areas throughout Cumbria. To gain relevant qualifications in countryside, environmental and land-based management studies -The Countryside Worker L2 Qualification - in partnership with Craven College. Other qualifications include chainsaws and brush cutter. Wage £13,741 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab) Salaries are reviewed following the conclusion of our financial year. While adjustments may be made, we cannot guarantee an increase. Training course Countryside worker (level 2) Hours Usual working days are Monday to Friday between 8am and 6pm however some evening and weekend work may be expected so flexibility is a must. Exact Shifts TBC. 35 hours a week Start date Monday 1 September 2025 Duration 1 year 6 months Positions available 4 Work Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience. What you'll do at work The post holder will: • Carry out conservation work and projects to maintain and improve Walkmill Community Woodland and the surrounding area for people and wildlife • Be responsible, together with other staff, for the care, maintenance and safe use of shared vehicles, tools, plant and equipment • Ensure their work sites are left in a better condition through the conservation activities carried out • To gain relevant experience sufficient for assessment against recognised qualifications (Apprenticeship in the Countryside Worker Qualification) • To work positively with their team mates, other staff, partner organisations, volunteers and contractors whilst carrying out conservation activities • To assist other staff when required • Ensure the highest standards of quality is achieved in all duties carried out • Communicate effectively within the team, with other rivers trusts and partner organisations • Conduct all activities in a manner to promote good external relations and a positive image of the organisations • Be responsible for meeting performance targets as set by the Apprentice Coordinator and College • Making presentations as required to Staff, Trustees and other organisations • Contributing to other Trusts projects and activities as required • Undertaking general clerical duties associated with the post • Assisting with other work as appropriate and when available Where you'll work KESWICK CONVENTION CENTRE SKIDDAW STREET KESWICK CA12 4BY Training Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills. College or training organisation CRAVEN COLLEGE Your training course Countryside worker (level 2) Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab) What you'll learn Course contents Manage habitats using a range of specialist techniques such as coppicing, hedge laying, river/stream bank stabilisation and establishing native plants, using appropriate tools and equipment. This could also include new and developing sustainable practices such as using natural materials to manage excessive rainfall (in constructing leaky dams and bale dams) and subsequently manage erosion and flood damage. Construct or repair boundaries including different fencing types (such as post and rail, stock fencing), hedging (establishing a new hedge or laying an existing hedge) and dry stone walling depending on the geographic location/landscape and local natural materials. Construct or maintain access ways, for example a path surface using aggregate, stone pitching, slabs, bark, concrete or tarmac. This will include the skills to ensure that the path surface drains properly. Manage vegetation in a range of different situations, for example strimming pathways, using pesticides, managing trees and hedgerows, eradicating invasive species in order to conserve native flora and fauna. Construct and /or maintain site furniture for access and interpretation. For example, bridges, gates, stiles, boardwalks, signs/waymarks or information boards using sustainable materials where possible. This will involve both following standard methods and also undertaking site specific design. For example, installing a gate on a sloping field will involve modifying the standard method, while every river or stream crossing while require a different design. Use a range of hand tools and powered tools safely such as hammers, panel saws, levels, drills, strimmers or chainsaws, hold the relevant certification for powered equipment and undertake the routine maintenance of the tools used. Problem solving: be resourceful in finding solutions to problems that may arise in day to day work and know when to ask a supervisor for advice. Identify a range of British flora and fauna native to the specific local area e.g. commonly seen birds, mammals, insects, herbs, flowers, trees or fungi to determine the appropriate habitat management needed. Undertake surveys which feed in to site management plans and work plans, for example, survey habitats and species, numbers of visitors, the condition of Rights of Way or structures/furniture. Write a simple dynamic risk assessment and be able to use it on site. Use the risk assessment as the basis of working safely; understanding the hazards on the site and involved in the wide range of practical tasks undertaken by Countryside Workers. Know how to reduce these risks to an acceptable level for themselves, the public and colleagues through using safe working practices and wearing personal protective equipment. Communicate effectively in a range of situations e.g. through face to face interaction, electronic communication, telephoning or presenting to members of the public, contractors, colleagues or landowners. Your training plan As part of the scheme, you will be expected to attend college classes one day every fortnight during the academic calendar year at Craven College in Skipton (transport will be organised and paid for by us) West Cumbria Rivers Trust office is based in Keswick where you will have to arrange your own transport The main working site will be Walkmill Woods, where transport will be organised by WCRT Apprentice Coordinator You will also get the opportunity to work with other Rivers Trusts in Cumbria as well as the National Trust, Cumbria Wildlife Trust, and the Lake District National Park, among others. Transport will be organised by the Apprentice Coordinator and/or other WCRT staff Requirements Desirable qualifications GCSE in: 3 GCSEs (grade 9-3) English (grade L1) Maths (grade L1) Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know. Skills Communication skills IT skills Attention to detail Organisation skills Problem solving skills Analytical skills Team working Initiative Physical fitness General IT Skills Meet deadlines Use tools and machinery Other requirements Personal Qualities: • Committed to the environment and conservation • Dedicated, adaptable and flexible to your approach to work • Enthusiastic with an ability to inspire and motivate others • Imaginative, inventive and able to turn ideas into action. • The ability to deal with a wide variety of people in a friendly and professional manner About this company We’re West Cumbria Rivers Trust – protecting and preserving our waterways and blue spaces since 2009. Formed around a kitchen table by volunteers, we have come a long way since then, winning four awards and supporting internationally important habitats and their wildlife. We’re proud to be part of the Rivers Trust movement, one of 60 local river trusts across UK and Ireland. Our mission West Cumbria Rivers Trust is an environmental charity dedicated to protecting, restoring and improving the rivers and lakes of West Cumbria for the benefit of wildlife and the people living and working around them. Our dedicated and passionate team work hard all year round partnering with landowners, farmers, organisations, local businesses, schools and communities to deliver for rivers and inspire a love for and understanding of our waterways. https://www.westcumbriariverstrust.org/ (opens in new tab) Company benefits 25 holidays per year, plus bank holidays (or equivalent for part time staff) Membership to our company pension scheme (9% optional - subject to eligibility) Life Assurance Scheme with the Pension scheme Statutory sick pay After this apprenticeship Ranger Parks Manager Estate Manager Woodland Manager Ecologist Conservation Officer Gamekeeper Ask a question The contact for this apprenticeship is: WEST CUMBRIA RIVERS TRUST LIMITED Gill recruitment@westcumbriariverstrust.org 017687 75429 The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000321341.