South Downs National Park hosts fun careers day for young people
July 27, 2020
Real-life stories and career journeys will take centre stage as the South Downs National Park hosts its own careers day for young people.
The virtual Youth Action Careers Day will give young people the chance to come face-to-face with rangers, conservationists and educators and ask them for tips on landing their dream job in the environment sector.
Taking place on International Youth Day, Wednesday 12 August, the fun and interactive event co-incides with A level and GCSE results when young people are considering their next options.
The free virtual event will include a webinar from 2pm to 4pm with a range of panellists, including assistant rangers, apprentice planners and other guests from partner organisations, including Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust.
There will also be a range of resources made available online, including selfie video testimonials from National Park, RSPB and Amphibian and Reptile Conservation staff and insightful Q&A articles with young people already working in the conservation.
The event is being spearheaded by the National Park’s Heathlands Reunited team, a lottery-funded project that aims to conserve and enhance what remains of the South Downs’ precious lowland heath, a habitat rarer than the rainforest.
Event organiser Beth Nicholls, Communities Outreach Officer for Heathlands Reunited, said; “We’re really excited to be putting on this event and it promises to be a fun afternoon that we hope will inspire young people about how amazing a career in conservation can be!
“There are so many potential career paths for young people and it can be quite daunting knowing what you need to do to get your foot in the door. This is a wonderful opportunity to hear from other young people who have been on that journey and hear about their experiences.
“Rangers are probably the most well-known job in nature and conservation, but the reality is there are so many different roles and all have an important part to play in the running of a National Park or environmental organisation.
“This will be a very relaxed, chatty and informal event and we hope young people can use it as a springboard to help achieve their dreams.”
Anyone aged 16 to 25 can sign up to the webinar at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/youth-action-careers-day-online-event-tickets-112188063518
Other resources will be available on the National Park’s website and social media channels during the week of the event. See www.southdowns.gov.uk/careers
Anyone with questions about the event or looking for more information can contact Beth.Nicholls@southdowns.gov.uk