Celebrating the success of WCRT Apprentices during National Apprenticeship Week
The Apprentices during their time at West Cumbria Rivers Trust
As National Apprenticeship Week (10-16 February) shines a spotlight on skills development, West Cumbria Rivers Trust (WCRT) is celebrating the achievements of its first group of Level 2 Countryside worker Apprentices, who are now completing their life-changing 18 months with the Trust.
Since joining WCRT in September 2023, the Apprentices have gained an impressive range of hands-on experience and technical qualifications. They’ve worked across a variety of conservation projects, with much of their time spent at Walkmill Community Woodland, near Whitehaven. Throughout their time, they have collaborated with WCRT staff and multiple partner organisations, including the National Trust, Eden Rivers Trust, Cumbria Wildlife Trust, Woodland Trust and local contractors in West Cumbria.
A Year of skill-building and practical experience
Over the course of their Apprenticeship, the team has gained invaluable experience in conservation and land management, including: dry stone walling, assisting at community events and engagement projects, attending conferences, Himalayan Balsam removal, hedge laying and fencing, footpath creation and maintenance, hedge and tree planting, Hazel coppicing, tree and wildflower nursery creation and maintenance, river surveys and bank stabilisation, electrofishing, Riverfly and Freshwater Peal Mussel surveys, building outdoor furniture such as signs, benches and bridges.
Alongside these practical skills, the apprentices have also gained a strong theoretical foundation, deepening their knowledge in many areas including: river processes, biosecurity, machinery maintenance, farming calendars, and tree and wildflower identification. Thy have also assisted on community and educational events to really get that rounded experience for a career in the environmental conservation sector.
Industry-recognised Training and Qualifications
Throughout the programme, the apprentices have also completed formal training and achieved a range of industry-recognised qualifications, including: Outdoor First Aid, NWSMP Water Safety Awareness, Chainsaw Maintenance, Cross-cutting and Basic Felling (up to 200mm), Petrol and Battery Brushcutter/Trimmer Certification, Pesticides Application (PA6, PA6 INJ, PA6 AW) and Map Reading.
Whitehaven based Apprentice, Sophie Harken, shared her thoughts on the experience:
"This apprenticeship has been transformative. The combination of technical training, hands-on experience, and professional development has equipped me with a well-rounded skill set and a deep understanding of the challenges and rewards in this field of work. I highly recommend this apprenticeship programme to anyone seeking a rewarding and impactful career in environmental stewardship."
Apprentice Monica Rayo Laborda, based in Maryport, added:
"The journey has been absolutely amazing. Working outdoors in all weather can be challenging but also fun – and you get to enjoy the sunshine too! I still remember my first day, heading to St John's in the Vale for an electrofishing survey. As I walked down to the stream and looked up at the mountains, I thought, ‘Wow, I can’t believe this will be my office view now.’
"I have learned so much more than I ever expected. If you’re considering a Level 2 Countryside Worker apprenticeship, I highly recommend joining WCRT."
Jodie Mills, Director of WCRT, commented:
"Our Apprenticeship programme has been a huge success from every angle. It’s fantastic to provide those starting out in the conservation field with the support and experience to launch their careers. But beyond that, it’s been invaluable for our organisation, enhancing many of our projects. The apprentices have gained rich and diverse experiences while making significant contributions, particularly at Walkmill Community Woodland, where they played a key role in infrastructure improvements for the community and for wildlife. I'm excited to see where their careers in conservation take them."
Looking ahead, WCRT will be recruiting a new cohort of four Level 2 Countryside Worker Apprentices to start in September 2025. The Trust encourages those passionate about conservation and the environment to keep an eye out on our website for upcoming recruitment announcements.
As the current Apprentices move on to the next stage of their careers, WCRT extends its best wishes to them all. Monica Rayo Laborda will remain with the Trust, stepping into the role of Apprentice Coordinator to support the next group of Apprentices on their journey.
WCRT’s Apprentice programme has been generously funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.