Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, Natural Prospects, a new paid traineeship programme by The Wildlife Trust for Birmingham and the Black Country, is now open to applications for September 2018.

The scheme, which has been awarded a £544,900 HLF grant, is aiming to challenge barriers to working within the conservation sector, by offering a series of 24 one-year practical conservation training placements to highly motivated individuals with a keen interest in wildlife and conservation.

Our cities and towns are home to people with amazing talent from all walks of life but our conservation sector simply doesn’t reflect that. Natural Prospects has been specifically designed to challenge the barriers that exclude some people from working in the environmental conservation sector. Applicants who are over 18 can apply for roles across Birmingham and the Black Country if they are either: non-graduates; in receipt of benefits; from an economically deprived area; or from a black or minority ethnic group.

How to get involved

If you are looking to start your conservation career in Birmingham or the Black Country, you could be eligible for Natural Prospects. The work based practical training will equip trainees with the skills to gain an entry level role in the urban conservation sector including a City & Guilds Level 2 Work Based Certificate in Environmental Conservation.

Jen Jones, Natural Prospects Co-ordinator, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for people who haven’t previously considered a career in conservation to gain skills, qualifications and work experience in the sector. And bringing in knowledge and experience from a more diverse range of backgrounds can only benefit urban wildlife.”

The traineeships are being hosted by The Wildlife Trust for Birmingham and the Black Country, as well as councils in Birmingham, Walsall and Wolverhampton - based at the Lickey Hills, Walsall Arboretum and Pendeford Mill respectively.

So, if you love wildlife, are happy to work outside in all weathers, and want to get paid while getting an amazing qualification to help preserve our natural heritage visit National Prospects and see if you are eligible to apply today.