Nature Friendly Farming Apprentice ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF BIRDS

You will be working as part of Cumbria Connect, a new landscape-scale nature restoration programme funded by the Endangered Landscapes Programme. Day to day you will be organising, supervising, and delivering specific land management, conservation, and farming tasks.

This apprenticeship requires you to apply through the employer's website.

Apply now

Closing date: 11 Dec 2023

Apprenticeship summary

  • Annual wage

    £21,255.00

  • Working week

    These are Fixed Term roles for 18 months for 37.5 hours per week. This role will involve working in remote locations. This role will require occasional weekend, early morning and evening working so will need someone who is able to be flexible. Shifts tbc.

    Total hours per week: 37.5

  • Expected duration

    18 Months

  • Possible start date

    22 Jan 2024

  • Date posted

    08 Nov 2023

  • Apprenticeship level

    Advanced
    Level 3 (A level)

  • Reference number

    VAC1000210136

  • Positions

    2 available

What you will do in your working day

We are seeking highly motivated individuals with experience of, or demonstrable understanding and enthusiasm for, farming and land management.

  • You will support the on the ground delivery nature recovery and farming across three sites, RSPB Haweswater (a partnership with United Utilities with two upland farms and associated common land), Lowther Estate (as part of the Lowther Farming Partnership) and Low Beckside Farm (Ernest Cook Trust).
  • Day to day you will be organising, supervising, and delivering specific land management, conservation, and farming tasks. You will manage small scale projects and work collaboratively with a range of partners.
  • You will also become qualified and proficient in various practical and machinery operational skills, for example, All Terrain Vehicle, Tractor, Brush cutting, Livestock handling, First Aid.
  • Contributing to wider operational discussions on effective delivery of nature recovery at landscape scale
  • Contributing to shared learning and impact within the suite of ELP restoration projects and forward ELP’s wider Programme goals
  • You will be working as part of Cumbria Connect a new landscape-scale nature restoration programme funded by the Endangered Landscapes Programme.

The formal learning aspects of this role will be delivered will be delivered through Myerscough college under their Level 3 Livestock Unit Technician Apprentice scheme. Alongside a formal qualification, at the end of this apprenticeship, you will have acquired a broad range of skills to support you in a successful career in farming/land management.

Essential skills, knowledge, and experience:

You will have knowledge and experience of farming/estate management.
Comfortable managing volunteers from a range of backgrounds
Applicants will have attained a minimum of 4 GCSE grades C/4 including both Maths and English. Functional Skills Level 2 will be accepted as an alternative to GCSEs.
You will need to travel to and from the site daily, so a driving licence is preferable.

The training you will be getting

  • Advanced Apprenticeship Livestock unit technician (Level 3)
  • City & Guilds Principles of Safe Handling and Application of Pesticides Guidance or Lantra Safe use of Pesticides
  • Level 2 in Safe Use of Veterinary Medicines
  • Award in Emergency First Aid at Work, which is a minimum of 1-day course (Ofqual regulated)
  • Training will be on site and at Myerscough College
  • 1 day per month at college attendance at Myerscough College in Cumbria required.

What to expect at the end of your apprenticeship

This role leads naturally into other fields in the areas of farming and conservation once qualified. 


Requirements and prospects

Desired skills and personal qualities

Attention to detail, Organisation skills, Problem solving skills, Team working, experience of estate work, experience of farming, Able to travel to site daily

Qualifications

GCSE or equivalent English (Grade 4) Essential
GCSE or equivalent Math (Grade 4) Essential

Things to consider

This role will involve lone working and working in remote locations. This role will require occasional weekend, early morning and evening working so will need someone who is able to be flexible.

About the employer

The RSPB is the UK's largest nature conservation charity, inspiring everyone to give nature a home and secure a healthy environment for wildlife. We are offering an exciting apprenticeship opportunity for a motivated, enthusiastic individual who is looking to develop in a career in Nature Friendly Farming and land management.

Employer

ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF BIRDS

Address

Naddle Farm

Bampton

Penrith

CA10 2RP

Contact

Bill Kenmir

Bill.Kenmir@rspb.org.uk

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Training

Training provider

MYERSCOUGH COLLEGE

Adjustments for experience

You could reduce your training time, or finish your apprenticeship faster, if you have relevant prior learning or experience. This could be relevant:

  • training
  • qualifications, like an NVQ in a relevant field
  • industry or sector experience

Apprenticeship standard

Livestock unit technician

Level 3 (A level)

Demonstrating experience

If your application is successful, you will have a chance to discuss your relevant prior learning or experience with your training provider and employer. You will all need to agree any adjustments to your training plan.

You should be prepared to show your competence, and evidence of relevant qualifications


Employer's Application Instructions

This apprenticeship requires you to apply through the employer's website.

Apply now

Closing date: 11 Dec 2023