Approach
The Green Pathways project aims to expand opportunities and resources for young people to learn about the roles available in the green sector - spanning both technical roles and supporting functions. Activities include:
- Developing an online Green Careers Hub, with resources for teachers and young people.
- Connecting sector specialists, businesses and schools to showcase green careers to pupils at a range of events in the county: from assemblies to careers fairs.
The project also aims to develop both paid and voluntary land management and conservation work placements, entry-level employment opportunities and youth representation. For example, Northumberland National Park offers:
- Volunteer ranger placements - short-term placements for young people aged 17-25 with an interest in pursuing a career in the environmental and countryside sector. The placements run twice a year, and are for ten days over a three-month period. They provide a wide variety of different opportunities for young people to gain experience - from public rights of way work, maintenance, biodiversity, education and collaborating with specialists on ecology and archaeology in the National Park.
- Seasonal ranger jobs, which appeal to a wide range of applicants, including those starting out in their careers but also career changers, who have gained voluntary or related experience first, then moved into the role.
In addition, the Green Pathways project hosts opportunities for school pupils to gain work experience, each week, facilitates a short-term pollinator under-graduate placement throughout June and July, designed to deepen knowledge and understanding. The project also delivers a range of fieldwork days to school, college and university cohorts on river investigations and sampling, hay meadow surveying, peatland surveying and flora ID, as well as workshops around green careers.
Over the summer, the project plans to offer skill development days covering, drystone walling, fencing and timber work and habitat, flora and fauna surveying and ID.
Increase work with community groups to learn about the National Park’s unique qualities, habitats and wildlife and learn how to carry out practical tasks.
And develop the network of employers and partner organisations further.
