Thanks to funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) a new project has launched in Peterborough to help ensure Peterborough has the skills and experience needed to ensure the city’s heritage and natural environment is looked after in the future.
The grant of £182,100, awarded under its Skills for the Future programme will provide nine trainees seeking a career in environmental and heritage conservation with the practical skills needed to pursue a career in the sector. Each trainee will receive a tax free bursary, and will be placed within a host organisation including Burghley House, Peterborough Museum, Nene Park Trust, The Wildlife Trust and Peterborough City Council.
Alice Kershaw, Heritage Regeneration Officer for Opportunity Peterborough, is delighted that Peterborough is benefiting from this funding. “There are some fantastic people in the city looking after our heritage and natural environment. However there aren’t the younger generations coming through the ranks to pass this wealth of experience on to. We want to ensure we continue to focus on the environment and preserve our rich heritage so this project is really important.
“The project will really benefit the trainees participating offering an invaluable opportunity to further their careers. It is well recognised as a difficult sector to break into, particularly for low income groups, because a great deal of unpaid work experience is expected to even get a foot on the ladder – not something that everyone can support. We hope this project will level the playing field and be a real asset for the city.”
Rachel Huxley is Acting Chief Executive of PECT, the organisation that will be delivering this project in Peterborough. She believes that Peterborough is an ideal place for the project to take place. “Peterborough will offer a rich experience for the trainees thanks to the city’s varied heritage, wildlife rich green spaces, and keen focus on protecting our natural environment."
For the Peterborough 'Skills for the Future' project there are two opportunities to apply. The first call for applications took place in December 2010 and trainees for the period Jan - Dec 2011 have now been appointed.
The second opportunity to apply will be during October 2011 (for the positions running from Jan - Dec 2012).
Year 2 trainee placements are likely to be...
• Trainee Gardener or Forester at Burghley House
• Trainee Ranger at Nene Park Trust
• Cultural Services Development Officer, Peterborough Museum
• Assistant Ecology Officer, Peterborough City Council
If you are interested in applying to become a trainee on this scheme please go onto our jobs in October.
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