The Apprenticeship is based around the knowledge, skills and behaviours that are required to be a fully qualified and experienced member of staff for a wide range of employers in the countryside management industry.

Level 2 Apprenticeship

Knowledge

You will gain a knowledge of:

  • conservation
  • ecology
  • the principles of boundary management
  • the principles of access management
  • common farming practices
  • land management
  • survey techniques
  • countryside legislation
  • sustainability
  • map reading
  • health and safety
  • first aid
  • pollution

Skills

You will gain skills in how to:

  • manage a variety of habitats
  • construct and repair a variety of boundaries types
  • construct and maintain access ways
  • manage vegetation
  • construct and /or maintain site furniture
  • use a range of hand tools and powered tools
  • problem solve
  • identify a range of British flora and fauna
  • undertake surveys
  • write simple dynamic risk assessments
  • communicate effectively

Behaviours

You'll be expected to show the behaviours of:

  • enthusiasm for the countryside and environment
  • a good work ethic
  • constructive working
  • flexibility and adaptability
  • skills development
  • safety consciousness

Qualifications

English and Maths

Apprentices without Level 1 English and Maths will need to achieve this level and take level 2 tests prior to the End Point Assessment. 

For those with an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan or a legacy statement the apprenticeship’s English and Maths minimum requirement is entry level 3.

A British Sign Language (BSL) qualification is an alternative to the English qualification for those whose primary language is BSL.

Portfolio

You will produce a portfolio of work throughout the first 12 months of your apprenticeship, while working with the ranger team and attending college where you will learn the various knowledge, skills and behaviours required.

End Point Assessment

You will have an End Point Assessment which involves an online test of multiple choice questions relating to countryside management, practical skills tests and a professional discussion looking through your portfolio with the End Point Assessor.

Level 4 Apprenticeship

Knowledge

You will gain a knowledge of:

  • current legislation
  • key UK environmental legislation
  • current legislation
  • ecology
  • practical and technical land and habitat management techniques
  • main uses of land in the UK
  • the structure, content, purpose and uses of work programmes
  • principles of financial management
  • methods for managing teams
  • the types of UK funding streams
  • legislation, principles and best practice for the design, construction and management of assets
  • applications for different machinery,
  • survey techniques and how to plan surveys
  • how to examine and interpret survey data
  • how to recruit, train, supervise, motivate and manage volunteers
  • communication methods
  • customer service principles
  • the different types of minor and major emergencies and incidents
  • notifiable or other pests and diseases
  • the differences between environmental interpretation and information
  • how to plan, research, design, analyse and evaluate environmental interpretation and information
  • performance management

Skills

You will gain skills in how to:

  • assess, prioritise, maintain and evaluate a safe working environment
  • comply with and ensure others comply with legal requirements,
  • comply with environmental best practices and procedures
  • organise and prioritise environmental and land management work
  • manage a range of habitats and species
  • produce short- or medium-term work, site, habitat action or small-scale project plans
  • delegate tasks to volunteers/ team members
  • deliver work and projects
  • manage workload
  • communicate
  • organise and prioritise
  • construct, maintain and manage a range of boundaries, public access routes, infrastructure and assets
  • correctly identify the unique range of native and invasive species and habitats in the geographical area
  • survey, analyse, communicate and evaluate results
  • select and use a range of work-based tools, machinery and equipment
  • instruct others how to use tools and machinery correctly and safely
  • complete records associated with tools and machinery
  • engage and communicate clearly and effectively
  • supervise, motivate and work alongside others
  • present information to the public
  • deal with emergencies and incidents
  • design, produce and evaluate various types of environmental interpretation and information
  • speak in public and engage with a wide range of audiences
  • recognise strengths and areas for development
  • make decisions based on the organisation’s principles

Behaviours

You'll be expected to show the behaviours of:

  • self-discipline and self-motivation
  • conscious of time constraints and takes personal responsibility
  • responding positively to feedback
  • considering other perspectives
  • acting in accordance with the organisational policies, procedures, values and behaviours
  • communicating effectively 
  • acting as an ambassador
  • proactively promoting and championing health, safety and wellbeing
  • taking personal responsibility for developing knowledge and skills
  • self-awareness
  • establishing and promoting respect for the work of the organisation
  • taking a positive approach to working outside

Qualifications

English and Maths

Apprentices without Level 2 English and Maths will need to achieve this level before taking the End Point Assessment.

For those with an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan or a legacy statement the apprenticeship’s English and Maths minimum requirement is entry level 3.

A British Sign Language (BSL) qualification is an alternative to the English qualification for those whose primary language is BSL.

Other mandatory qualifications

Award in Emergency First Aid at Work, which is a minimum of 1 day course.

Award in the Safe Use of Brush Cutters and Trimmers.

Professional recognition of Level 4

This standard has professional recognition through Countryside Management Association (CMA) and Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM).

Portfolio

You will produce a portfolio of work throughout the first 12 months of your apprenticeship, while working with the ranger team and attending college where you will learn the various knowledge, skills and behaviours required.

End Point Assessment

You will have an End Point Assessment which involves an online test of multiple choice questions relating to countryside management, practical skills tests and a professional discussion looking through your portfolio with the End Point Assessor.

Contact us

Apprentice Ranger Coordinator

Name: Graham Stanley
Email: Graham.Stanley@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Tel: 01258 456970
Full contact details

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