The Authority is running two taster days in May to introduce people to the Skills in Action traineeship project, which is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) Skills for the Future scheme.

The project, which will provide five 12-month salaried apprentices with the National Park Authority’s team of Wardens and Rangers, is a partnership between Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, Brecon Beacons National Park Authority and Torfaen County Borough Council.

[quote=Dave Evans, Assistant Principal]“This is invaluable experience for these young people in their chosen career, learning and earning is increasingly becoming a popular pathway"[/quote]

The Pembrokeshire taster days offer a chance to try out practical activities to give an insight into what the apprentices will involve. The sessions will take place at:

• Cilrhedyn Woodland Centre, Gwaun Valley on Monday 11 May at 9.30am

• Milton Depot and Carew Castle on Tuesday 19 May at 9.30am

The first group of apprentices are nearing the end of their 12-month course with the second set of successful applicants set to start work in September 2015.

Pembrokeshire apprentices will attain a Level 2 City and Guilds Certificate and Diploma in Work Based Environmental Conservation as part of a Modern Apprenticeship Scheme with Pembrokeshire College, as well as learning a range of new skills through hands-on work-based experience.

“This is invaluable experience for these young people in their chosen career, learning and earning is increasingly becoming a popular pathway,” said Dave Evans, Assistant Principal.

Graham Peake, the National Park Authority’s Discovery Team Leader, said: “The first year of the project has been a great success and we are looking forward to helping five more apprentices gain valuable experiences.

“This HLF grant enables us to provide training opportunities with real benefits because trainees will not only receive a salary but also a foot in the door towards gaining employment in the conservation management sector.”

To book onto a taster day contact Joanne Morgan by calling tel: 01646 624856 or via email: joannem@pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk. Application packs will be available at the taster days or from the Park Authority, either by visiting the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park website or getting in touch on the number above – you do not have to attend a taster day to apply for the trainee scheme.

This is the second intake of the three-year project, with five trainees working in Pembrokeshire each year; six in Brecon and one in Torfaen.