Support for young people

The Trainee Ranger scheme, now in its third year, is about improving the health and wellbeing of those taking part, whilst at the same time increasing their employability skills as they take part in a range of practical conservation tasks such as tree planting, habitat management and wildlife surveys.

Patricia Deeney, the Youth Development Officer at the Belfast Hills Partnership, said: “With the job market the way it is, employers are expecting applicants to have a certain amount of work experience under their belt before they are even considered for a job. But how do young people get that work experience in the first place, especially in the wake of the covid-19 pandemic? We believe that the Trainee Ranger scheme can fill this void.

“By completing the 12 week programme, young people will not only increase their practical experience in the workplace, but they will also receive nationally recognised awards and gain a Lantra accreditation in the use of strimmers and brushcutters, something that will look great on their CVs.”

The deadline for applications is 5pm on Friday October 2. To apply, contact patricia.deeney@belfasthills.org.