Apprentice Stories
Daisy K, Countryside Apprentice, Now Reserves Officer
During my apprenticeship I completed a level 2 in Environmental Conservation with Sparsholt College. Following my apprenticeship, I was taken on fulltime as an Assistant Countryside Officer, and I am now a Reserves Officer.
I always struggled to find fulfilment in working in classrooms or offices. When I was in college, I was always happiest when I was out doing practical work and able to physically see the changes, I made to something to improve it. I knew I needed a gap from lecture halls and classrooms but wanted to continue in education, so an apprenticeship was the perfect opportunity for me.
When I started, I knew more about the biology of exotic animals than I did about what species a tree is. I’ve learnt how to survey for animals and plants and how to handle animals such as dormice which I had never seen in the flesh before starting. As well as learning how to use and maintain equipment such as hedge cutters, strimmer’s, bow saws and bill hooks. I had never heard of coppicing before, so I was trained in a new skill and that’s now part of my everyday job in the winter. I love being outside. There’s nothing like it. Nature has been neglected and abused in the past, so I find pride in seeing my work changing the environment for the better.
Test Valley Borough Council and my manager supported me in my apprenticeship by giving me the time out of work to attend classes and encouraging me to leave at least an hour a week for me to do any college work I need to. You get to put your theory into practice and develop so many skills that you might miss out on being solely classroom based. Plus…you get paid, best of both worlds.
My current role is responsible for maintaining the local nature reserves and green spaces in Test Valley, which includes surveying for animals such as Dormice (which are nationally scarce) butterflies and bats and managing vegetation to create and maintain the best habitats possible. We aim to provide access to sites to help maintain people’s wellbeing which has been vital as well as creating safe and appropriate habitats to support wildlife.
I really enjoy working at the council and when I started the community and leisure team were so welcoming. The Heads of Service and Chief Executive are all approachable as well which gives a good atmosphere to work in.
I am now studying for a level 4 qualification in Countryside Management and have attained a Great Crested Newt Class 1 survey license, which means I am licensed to survey one of the UK’s most heavily protected species.
I have found a real passion for my job and so I would love to continue along this path as well as getting my degree in Environmental Science or conservation