Summary
You will be working as a Countryside Worker Apprentice, developing practical skills and a deep knowledge about countryside operations in the Environment section of the Cormac Highways and Environment service.
Wage
£15,392 a year
Training course
Countryside worker (level 2)
Hours
Monday to Friday Shifts to be confirmed
37 hours a week
Possible start date
Monday 1 September
Duration
1 year
Positions available
2
Work
As an apprentice, you’ll work at a company and get hands-on experience. You’ll gain new skills and work alongside experienced staff.
What you’ll do at work
Duties include (but are not limited to):
* Maintain a safe working environment at all times for self, colleagues and members of the public
* Maintenance of grass and vegetation at a variety of locations, including country parks, coast paths, sites and trails
* Select and utilise the correct equipment and tools to carry out works efficiently
* Understand and work within specific project specifications and contract expectations
* Build and repair a variety of boundaries including fences, walls and hedging
* Maintaining public rights of way for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. The type of surface and associated gates, stiles and bridges depending on the use, terrain and landscape
* Working with Countryside volunteer and community interest groups
* Habitat creation, monitoring of biodiversity and encouraging further initiatives
* Preserve and protect Cornwall’s natural habitat and biodiversity
* Encourage sustainable innovations to support Cormac’s vision of carbon neutrality
* Always be an Ambassador for Cormac and positively promote the Environment service and the wider organisation
Where you’ll work
Western Group Centre
Radnor Road
Scorrier
Redruth
TR16 5EH
Training
An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying.
College or training organisation
BRIDGWATER AND TAUNTON COLLEGE
Your training course
Countryside worker (level 2)
Equal to GCSE
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
* Your qualification will be delivered by Bridgewater and Taunton College on a block release basis. Accommodation while you attend college will be provided
Requirements
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
* Customer care skills
* Team working
* Physical fitness
* Enjoy working outdoors
* resilient, adaptable and keen