Increasing numbers of young people leave rural areas like the Yorkshire Dales because of limited job opportunities. 

George's story is different. George joined our rural apprenticeship scheme in 2021, which meant he could stay in the area he grew up in and work with a local organisation while studying part-time towards a Level 2 qualification. George, and the other young people who have been part of our apprenticeship scheme, had the chance to start their dream careers in the environment sector right here in the Yorkshire Dales.

About our rural apprenticeship scheme 

A rural apprenticeship is a work-based training programme that gives young people the chance to develop their skills and get experience with employers in and around the Yorkshire Dales, Cumbria and Nidderdale. An apprenticeship combines college studies with certified training courses and hands-on work based experience with a range of organisations. Not only does the scheme help local young people to get on the career ladder, it invests in their education and personal development too.

Apprentices spend most of their time in work and training on the job, and study part-time towards a Level 2 Countryside Worker apprenticeship at Craven College. They also have the opportunity to gain certificated skills useful for their job, like chainsaw and brushcutter use, ATV driving, habitat surveying, species identification or trailer training, to name just a few. 

Where do our apprentices work? 

Through our scheme there are apprenticeship opportunities available with a variety of different organisations in the Yorkshire Dales, Nidderdale, Forest of Bowland and Cumbria. Opportunities will vary from year to year but recent employers have included:

• Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority
• Conservefor
• Cumbria Wildlife Trust
• DTMS Group
• Marsden Agricultural and Environmental Contractors
• Ribble Rivers Trust 

"Opportunities for young people in the Yorkshire Dales can be limited, so it's a real pleasure for the National Park Authority to be part of the scheme. It brings a range of different employers together under one umbrella to provide real working experience and opportunities for our young people across the Dales and I can only see it going from strength to strength." 

Alan Hulme, the YDNPA’s Head of Ranger Services.

If you're an employer who is interested in taking on an apprentice read more about what's involved and how you can take part. Employing an apprentice 

Wider opportunities  

We offer fantastic opportunities for young people to follow their passions and goals outside of their apprenticeship. Many of our apprentices take part in events like our Green Futures Youth Environment Summit or have become Ambassadors for YDMT.

Several of our apprentices have also become involved in Our Bright Future, a nationwide movement which aims to give young people the skills and knowledge to improve their local environments.  

More opportunties for young people