Signing up for a bright future in the Belfast Hills

Participants pictured sowing a wildflower meadow in Valley Park.

This free traineeship requires no previous experience or qualifications, it only takes one day a week for 15 weeks to complete and will enable the participants to take part in a range of practical conservation tasks such as tree planting, wildflower meadow management, and wildlife surveys.

Patricia Deeney, the Youth Development Officer at the Belfast Hills Partnership, said: “With the job market the way it is, increasingly employers are expecting applicants to have a certain amount of work experience under their belt before they are even considered for a job. But how do young people get that work experience in the first place? It is our hope that the Trainee Ranger scheme will fill this void.

“By completing the programme of one day a week for 15 weeks, the young people will not only increase their practical experience in the workplace, but they will also receive nationally recognised awards and gain a lantra accreditation in the use of strimmers and brushcutters, something that will look great on their CV!”

This programme is part of the Our Bright Future project, which Big Lottery Funds, a forward-thinking social movement that’s about supporting young people to lead progressive change in their communities and local environment.

They’re tackling environmental issues and the lack of opportunities for young people by using one problem to help another. It’s about unleashing the potential of young people, so they can make a big, positive impact and become an unstoppable force for good.

Julie Harrison, Big Lottery Fund Northern Ireland Chair, said: “It’s wonderful to see the difference our investment is making to the young people involved in this project, and I want to say thanks to National Lottery players for making this possible. We hope this initiative will help improve their skills, confidence, self-esteem and wellbeing as they get out and about in the Belfast Hills.”

The deadline for applications is 5pm on Monday, September 17, with the first day of the scheme starting on Friday, October 5 for 15 weeks.

To find out more, or to apply, contact [email protected] or phone the Belfast Hills Partnership office on 028 9060 3466.