Country life
Countryside news
By Tony Ridd
Graduation of Woodland Apprentices
18 months of dedication, commitment and hard graft has paid off for Ben,
Jack, Shaun and Verity as they celebrate becoming the first ‘graduates’ of the
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust’s Woodland Apprentice programme.
Under the expert guidance of local
woodsman Andy Toms and with support
from Sparsholt College, the apprentices
have gained a range of practical skills
and experience as well as qualifications,
to kick-start their careers.
The programme provided the
apprentices with 18 months ‘on-the-job’
training with the Trust, during which
they gained practical experience in
woodland skills including hedgelaying,
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coppicing, charcoal making, felling
and processing timber. It also provided
them with the support required to
gain their certificates in tractor driving,
chainsaw and brushcutter operation
and ultimately, a Level 2 Diploma in
Environmental Management.
Crowning their fantastic achievement,
one apprentice has already secured full-
time employment in land management,
whilst each of the remaining three have
interviews in the pipeline.
The Trust is now looking to recruit four
more young people aged 18 or over
who can commit to be part of the next
18 month-long Woodland Apprentice
programme.
If you or someone you know might
be interested, contact Jamie Marsh on
01983 760016 or email jamie.marsh@
hiwwt.org.uk.