- Framework:
- Environmental Conservation
- Level:
- 2/3
Environmental conservation covers a wide range of opportunities including the conservation of landscapes, habitats and species alongside the management of public access and countryside recreation, as well as interpretation to promote awareness, understanding and enjoyment of the countryside.
The sector includes rural and urban areas, rivers, coasts and waterways throughout Wales, many of which are designated areas requiring special protection.
This provides a range of jobs within large and small, public and private and charitable organisations, such as the National Trust, National Parks, Wildlife Trusts, BTCV, local authority countryside services and environmental consultancy. Working in the sector can involve you being outdoors practically managing sites by, for example: tree planting and felling; wildlife surveys; community engagement; recreation and education. Jobs provide opportunities to inspire people and engage with wildlife in order to manage and protect our natural heritage for the future.
Pathway options and levels
Environmental Conservation - Level 2
Supports the job role of Estate Worker. Warden/Countryside Warden, Boundary Installer and Heritage Worker.
Environmental Conservation - Level 3
Supports the job role of Access/ Recreation Officer, Ranger, Education/Interpretation Officer, Senior Estate Worker and Environmental Management Officer.
Further information
Duration
Level 2: 24 months
Level 3: 18 months
Progression routes
Level 2: Following the successful completion of the Foundation Apprenticeship, there are many opportunities available which could include specialising within the profession, completing other vocational courses or progressing into Further and/or Higher Education including an Apprenticeship in Environmental Conservation or other Further Education courses such as:
- Level 3 Diploma in Work-based Environmental Conservation
- Level Certificate in Environmental Sustainability
- Level 3 Award in Principles of Developing Environmental and Land-based Projects
- Level 3 Extended Diploma/Diploma in Environmental Conservation.
- Level 3 Certificate in Dry Stone/ Boundary Installer.
Level 3: Progression routes include completing other vocational courses or progressing into Further and/or Higher Education. Examples of courses available across Wales and the UK include:
- BSc Environmental Conservation
- Fd Conservation and Countryside Management
- Fd Environmental Conservation
- BSc Conservation Biology
- BSc Wildlife Management.
For apprentices who wish to continue their development of skills and qualifications beyond Degree level, opportunities exist to progress further, such as a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) or a Master's Degree (MSc or MRes), including:
- MRes Ecology
- PGDip/MSc Conservation and Land Management.
Qualifications
Level 2: Diploma in Work-based Environmental Conservation (QCF)
Level 3: Diploma in Work-based Environmental Conservation (QCF)
What are the entry requirements for this pathway?
All apprenticeship pathways in Wales have entry requirements.
If you are interested in undertaking this pathway – you need to have the following entry level qualification(s);
Level 2
Level 2: There are no specific entry requirements to enter the Level 2 Foundation Apprenticeship in Environmental Conservation, however, there are qualifications or experience that will help learners understand the sector prior to starting, such as: Level 1 Award in Practical Environmental and Conservation Skills
Level 1 Diploma in Work-based Environmental Conservation.
Voluntary experience within the environmental conservation industry.
Have previously worked in, or are currently working within, the industry.
GCSEs.
Level 3
Level 3: The environmental conservation industry wants the entry requirements for the Apprenticeship in Environmental Conservation to be flexible, which could include the following:
- NVQ Level 2 in Environmental Conservation
- Level 2 Diploma in Work-based Environmental Conservation
- Level 2 Award in Practical Environmental and Conservation Skills
- Level 2 Certificate in Countryside and Environment
- Practical experience within the environmental conservation industry
- 3 GCSEs (A*-C)/A levels
and additionally, one of the following:
- Level 1 Award in Practical Environmental and Conservation Skills
- Level 1 Diploma in Work-based Environmental Conservation.
View full pathway