Published : Thu 6th Feb
Elissa joined us straight after University and was able to learn practical skills to build on the more general theory she had learned before. Since completing her apprenticeship she has moved into a role and is broadening her experience:
Why did I choose to apply for the Ranger Apprenticeship?
I love the outdoors, wildlife and the environment and have always wanted to make a positive difference and impact every day. To basically have a job that I was so proud to do. I applied whilst completing my university degree in Environmental Sciences during the last year of my degree, I realised I was more drawn to physically doing it myself (for example being the one to actually go out and plant trees and create and conserve valuable habitats). I had been volunteering for a few months in the Peak District and completely fell in love with the idea of rangering as it combined my love for the outdoors and my want to make a change and do good for the environment. I was browsing countryside jobs and the apprenticeship came up. I knew I would have been doing myself a HUGE injustice if I didn’t apply. Having it done through the National Trust was also a huge part of wanting to do this particular apprenticeship as I knew how much of an impact the charity has on looking after some of my favourite childhood places.
What are the best things about the apprenticeship?
The best parts of the apprenticeship were the networking opportunities I was allowed to do. I was able to go and take part in so much cool stuff around the country: lambing season at Calke, working up in the peak district which is my favourite national park and working on some precious SSSI’s in Norfolk. Another good part about the apprenticeship were my mentors here at Blickling. They were so keen for me to learn all there is to know about working on a big countryside estate and gave me such grace in learning, they didn’t see me as just an extra pair of hands but they were so committed to my learning. I have learnt so much about trees and woodland management which has really kick started such a special interest of mine. I also made contact with some of the previous cohort in the Norfolk area and really glad to say I made a really really good friend out of it.
What challenges did I face?
Some of the challenges I faced were some initial issues with the college, but the apprenticeship team listened and did bring it up with the college on my behalf. I then got a new tutor who was absolutely incredible and supportive and who would make time to come and do a review for me. Because of the lack of support from the college for the first part and being discouraged to go above and beyond, I did feel as if I was self-leading on a lot and I can’t thank my team around me enough for how they helped me and encouraged me to do more. I was very glad that apprenticeship team listened to any issues with the college we had and then organised some extra training due to what we missed. That was hugely appreciated.
Have you done anything that you didn’t expect whilst on your apprenticeship?
Yes!! As mentioned, Lambing season at Calke was beyond anything I thought I’d be doing. It was INCREDIBLE. I stayed on site and so walking around after all the visitors had left was such a cool feeling, I got some great videos and pictures of the deer too!! Seeing ewes have their lambs and holding the cutest little lamb and have it lick my face was up there too. I also spent a day up on Blakeny point doing the seal clear, I can’t say it was my favourite thing to do but it was definitely a bonding moment and something I never ever thought I’d be doing. I also helped make an osprey nest for an osprey platform. It kind of felt like I was completing an art piece which wasn’t a feeling I thought I would feel!
How have the training provider/college supported you?
I didn’t feel fully supported by the college and training provider to begin with, it was only after I got a new tutor did I feel more support. The Trust also arranged some additional training for us to help prepare for our final assessment and that was very good - the lady who taught us was brilliant and gave us a proper sit-down classroom experience. I wish there was more college block weeks as the ones we did were loads of fun and it was nice being with the apprentices. The tutors were good fun and did their absolute best to make sure we had really good weeks in both July and October.
What are your aspirations for the future and how will your apprenticeship help you?
At the moment, I am on a fixed term contract here at Blickling doing a community and engagement ranger role. I am enjoying it and really love my team, the estate and the staff in the other departments!! I like how there is a huge range of people and skills here, there is always someone to help when I have a question. The fixed term contract is 2 years, which is perfect for me as I would love to eventually move back up north to hopefully another National Trust property and potentially complete the level 4 apprenticeship. The engagement ranger role is allowing me to learn and grow my skills in an area that I was just developing during my apprenticeship. This includes managing and leading large groups of volunteers, school groups, school visits, social media, guided walks, citizen science projects, wildlife surveying with different groups of people, organisational skills (the list is honestly endless) whilst also keeping all my practical skills that I learnt during my apprenticeship at a high level.
What advice would you give for anyone thinking of doing an apprenticeship?
Apply!!!!!! Just apply!!!!!!! It was the best thing I ever did and kick started my career in practical conservation. The opportunities I’ve had and the fun I’ve had during this past year and a half has been unreal. I have learnt to drive tractors, use a chainsaw and use all sorts of cool tools and machinery. My problem-solving skills, team working skills, solo working skills have all shot up. I’ve done things I never thought I’d do a few years ago. I have also developed such a confidence in my abilities which I am really proud of. If you love the outdoors, are enthusiastic and love nature and want to make a difference, you don’t have anything to lose so APPLY!!!!!!
