My Apprenticeship journey
Monica at work as an Apprentice - a Wilder Walkmill
Monica tells us about her Apprenticeship experience with West Cumbria Rivers Trust
Name: Monica Rayo Laborda
Job: Apprentice at Walkmill Community Woodland
Age: 33
Qualification: Honours degree in Animal and Conservation Biology
I’ve been an Apprentice now with West Cumbria Rivers Trust since September 2023. I recently graduated and during my course I learnt a lot about wildlife and conservation. Sadly, due to the Covid Pandemic, I didn’t get much ‘hands-on’ experience so, when this opportunity came up with West Cumbria Rivers Trust, I jumped at the chance to undertake a Countryside Worker Level 2 Apprenticeship. The Apprenticeship is 18 months in length and there are four of us based out of Walkmill Community Woodland. We attend college to learn about conservation topics such as boundary management, sustainability, farming and land management, health and safety legislation, British flora and fauna identification skills and lots more. Most of the time, however, is hands-on learning experiences with the Apprentice Training Officer and other WCRT staff.
Some of the skills I have learnt include how to use tools and machinery such as brush cutters and chainsaws; how to create and maintain habitats by doing bank stabilisation, vegetation manage and the control of Invasive Non-native Species (INNS). In addition, I am learning how to build outdoor furniture including bridges, benches, fences and tree guards.
I also work with other organisations including National Trust, Workington Nature Partnership, Cumbria Action For Sustainability (CAfS), and Growing Well to name just a few.
Being able to work alongside other organisations has been very fulfilling; it’s useful to learn skills and work together on projects with other organisations – it all adds to our Apprenticeship skillset.
When working with WCRT Project Officers and volunteers, I’ve been able to see what it’s like to work alongside farmers and landowners, this has given me a greater understanding of the hard work and planning that it takes to successfully complete each project and make a difference improving wildlife and biodiversity. In addition, it has helped me understand how important it is to work alongside other organisations such as United Utilities, Natural England and Environment Agency.
Working alongside the other Apprentices has been great as we all help each other when we need it and always enjoy a bit of banter. We make sure no one gets left behind and we each have certain skills that we are stronger in, which makes for a great team (or, as we like to call ourselves, the A Team).
On top of the skills we need to demonstrate for our Final Assessments, we have the opportunity to learn so much more including water safety skills, outdoor First Aid, networking with partner organisations, interacting with members of the public and elements of project planning within the Trust’s catchments.
It’s been fantastic to work alongside other Apprentices – we’ve supported each other along our journey and there’s a great camaraderie which puts a smile on your face every morning. I would recommend these Apprentice positions to anyone who is interested in a career in the environment.
I am beyond grateful to everyone involved in creating these green job opportunities and for giving me the chance to do my dream job!
WCRT will be recruiting new Apprentice positions based at Walkmill Community Woodland in early 2025.
A Wilder Walkmill is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund - thanks to National Lottery players and to Sellafield’s Social Impact Multiplied.
