Apprenticeships
The Countryside Worker Apprenticeship is a practical, work-based programme for people who want to build a career working outdoors in countryside, conservation, and estate roles. Delivered by Holme Lacy College, the course combines paid employment with specialist training in a real rural environment. Apprentices develop essential skills including habitat management, estate maintenance, safe use of tools and machinery, and working responsibly in the countryside, gaining a nationally recognised qualification and preparing for long-term employment in the land-based sector.
A certificate of completion from the Institute for Apprenticeships.
On successful completion of the Countryside Worker Apprenticeship, learners can progress into full-time employment in countryside, conservation, estate, or land-management roles. Apprentices may also move on to higher-level apprenticeships, such as the Countryside Ranger or further training in areas such as environmental conservation, land management, forestry, or agriculture, or develop specialist skills within their current role. The apprenticeship provides a strong foundation for long-term career development within the land-based and environmental sector.
The Countryside Worker Apprenticeship covers the core skills and knowledge needed for countryside and estate work, including habitat and vegetation management, estate and site maintenance, safe use and maintenance of tools and machinery, health and safety in outdoor environments, and working effectively as part of a team. Apprentices also develop an understanding of environmental sustainability, countryside legislation, and professional working practices, with all learning closely linked to real tasks carried out in the workplace and supported by specialist training at Holme Lacy College.
The programme is delivered through workplace skills assessment as well as required attendance of one day a week in college.
At the completion of all on-programme learning, apprentices will complete an End Point Assessment. For this standard, this will involve an online test, a practical skills assessment and a professional discussion.
