Looking for apprenticeship/trainees information

[Benb2k]

Hi there

 

I am looking to get into an apprenticeship within the forestry industry and would appreciate any guidance that anybody could offer me.

 

I have spent the last 2 years volunteering with BTCV 2 days a week whilst attaining an NVQ Level 1 in Land-based Operations and NVQ Level 2 in Environmental Conservation and since the completion of the qualifications i've continued volunteering with them.

 

Working with them involved a number of tasks such as tree felling (w/ bow saws) coppicing, hedge laying, tree planting, dry stone walling, post & rail/wire fencing, habitat maintenance, footpath maintenace plus others.

I have my own PPE just not any of my own tools or chainsaw equipment/ppe.

 

I am an extremely hard worker and enjoy learning and developing new skills and ideally id like to find a trainee/apprentice position whereas i could demonstrate my willingness in this area of work and where i can be developed further.

 

I know jobs in this area are fiercly competitive but after spending 2 years with BTCV alongside working full time (yes, ive only had 1 day off a week to myself for 2 years now!) i believe it is where id love to forge my career in.

 

Any help that you maybe able to give me whether its just names of companies that offer these opportunities or you yourselves are looking for an apprentice i would be greatly appreciative. I am willing to relocate anywhere around the country my only stipulation would be that would be at the very least be full time on minimum wage as im sure you'd appreciate i have bills/rent etc to take care of.

 

Thank you for your time in listening to me blabber on.

 

Kind Regards

 

Ben

[janey]

This is really out of date now, but this old Capel post may provide a starting point for you:

 

http://arbtalk.co.uk/forum/capel-manor-college/25094-apprenticeships-roadshow.html

[Benb2k]

Thank you Janey Ill do some research into this when i get back from work and see if they plan on holding any other events in the near future. Thanks again

[janey]

Good luck with it

[Benb2k]

Just a polite *bump* (first and last i promise) to see if there is any more help/offers out there.

 

Regards

 

Ben

[pward]

Bicton college near exeter offer study and apprenticeship schemes means that u vwould need to relocate but the south west beats sheffield any day (talking from experiance)

[Benb2k]

Thanks pward, ive had a quick look at there website and ill get in touch with a few questions. Looking at it, it looks to me that if you are over 18ish you have to find a work placement yourself which may be tricky but its worth a shot. An i agree, im fed up with Sheffield too a change of scenary would be great haha

 

Cheers mate.

 

Any one else feel free to contribute if you have any other ideas too. Cant have to many ideas

[pward]

As well there are a few big company's down that way, I think the easy way to get ur tickets is to go do a nch arb

[scottythepinetree]

Get your CS 30/31 and then phone every tree company in the phone book. If you don't get anywhere ring them all again. Send CVs to everyone. Persistance verging on being a pest (but a polite, well-mannered pest), just get your foot in the door by any means necessary.

 

When you get there, listen, learn, sweat, and if you don't know something, ASK. Treat kit as if it was your own. Show you can work on your own initiative. Nothing worse than giving a young lad a job to do then find him standing around an hour later just because he finished THAT job.

[Benb2k]

Thank you for the advice guys. I have started putting some money aside to eventually one day get my CS30/31 but it will take me a while to get it funded hence why it would be great to find an apprenticeship which would be willing to help with the costs.

 

I'll take all the information on board and hopefully be able to politely pester companies soon once i can afford my tickets thanks