Countryside Level 2 Apprentice

Summary

You will be working as a Countryside Worker Apprentice, developing practical skills and a deep knowledge about countryside operations in the Environment section of the Cormac Highways and Environment service.

Wage: £15,392 a year
Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
Training course: Countryside worker (level 2)
Hours: Monday to Friday Shifts to be confirmed
37 hours a week
Possible start date: Monday 1 September
Duration: 1 year
Positions available: 2

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you’ll do at work

Duties include (but are not limited to):

Maintain a safe working environment at all times for self, colleagues and members of the public
Maintenance of grass and vegetation at a variety of locations, including country parks, coast paths, sites and trails
Select and utilise the correct equipment and tools to carry out works efficiently
Understand and work within specific project specifications and contract expectations
Build and repair a variety of boundaries including fences, walls and hedging
Maintaining public rights of way for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. The type of surface and associated gates, stiles and bridges depending on the use, terrain and landscape
Working with Countryside volunteer and community interest groups
Habitat creation, monitoring of biodiversity and encouraging further initiatives
Preserve and protect Cornwall’s natural habitat and biodiversity
Encourage sustainable innovations to support Cormac’s vision of carbon neutrality
Always be an Ambassador for Cormac and positively promote the Environment service and the wider organisation

Where you’ll work

Western Group Centre
Radnor Road
Scorrier
Redruth
TR16 5EH

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

College or training organisation

BRIDGWATER AND TAUNTON COLLEGE

Your training course

Countryside worker (level 2)

Equal to GCSE

Course contents

Manage habitats using a range of specialist techniques such as coppicing, hedge laying, river/stream bank stabilisation and establishing native plants, using appropriate tools and equipment. This could also include new and developing sustainable practices such as using natural materials to manage excessive rainfall (in constructing leaky dams and bale dams) and subsequently manage erosion and flood damage.
Construct or repair boundaries including different fencing types (such as post and rail, stock fencing), hedging (establishing a new hedge or laying an existing hedge) and dry stone walling depending on the geographic location/landscape and local natural materials.
Construct or maintain access ways, for example a path surface using aggregate, stone pitching, slabs, bark, concrete or tarmac. This will include the skills to ensure that the path surface drains properly.
Manage vegetation in a range of different situations, for example strimming pathways, using pesticides, managing trees and hedgerows, eradicating invasive species in order to conserve native flora and fauna.
Construct and /or maintain site furniture for access and interpretation. For example, bridges, gates, stiles, boardwalks, signs/waymarks or information boards using sustainable materials where possible. This will involve both following standard methods and also undertaking site specific design. For example, installing a gate on a sloping field will involve modifying the standard method, while every river or stream crossing while require a different design.
Use a range of hand tools and powered tools safely such as hammers, panel saws, levels, drills, strimmers or chainsaws, hold the relevant certification for powered equipment and undertake the routine maintenance of the tools used.
Problem solving: be resourceful in finding solutions to problems that may arise in day to day work and know when to ask a supervisor for advice.
Identify a range of British flora and fauna native to the specific local area e.g. commonly seen birds, mammals, insects, herbs, flowers, trees or fungi to determine the appropriate habitat management needed.
Undertake surveys which feed in to site management plans and work plans, for example, survey habitats and species, numbers of visitors, the condition of Rights of Way or structures/furniture.
Write a simple dynamic risk assessment and be able to use it on site. Use the risk assessment as the basis of working safely; understanding the hazards on the site and involved in the wide range of practical tasks undertaken by Countryside Workers. Know how to reduce these risks to an acceptable level for themselves, the public and colleagues through using safe working practices and wearing personal protective equipment.
Communicate effectively in a range of situations e.g. through face to face interaction, electronic communication, telephoning or presenting to members of the public, contractors, colleagues or landowners.

Your training plan

Your qualification will be delivered by Bridgewater and Taunton College on a block release basis. Accommodation while you attend college will be provided

Requirements

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

Communication skills
Customer care skills
Team working
Physical fitness
Enjoy working outdoors
resilient, adaptable and keen

About this company

Cormac manages and maintains approximately 7500km of Cornwall’s and the South West highways as well as delivering major construction, civil engineering and highway schemes, providing environmental asset management, maintenance, design and construction services to public and private sector clients. We are part of the Corserv Group who are committed to growing the local economy and delivering high quality services and jobs for the benefit of the communities we serve.

https://www.cormacltd.co.uk/ (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

Working with us your benefits will include: · Employee discount. · Holiday starting at 23 days and increasing to 28 with service. · Investment and support in your continuous training and development

Disability Confident

A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions.

You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.

After this apprenticeship

On completion of the apprenticeship position there could be a permanent position for the right candidate

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

CORMAC SOLUTIONS LIMITED

Lynne Dunn

lynne.dunn@cormacltd.co.uk

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000306549.

Apply now

Closes on Sunday 1 June 2025

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After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.

Company’s application instructions

Could you please apply via our website and complete the application form and attach a CV and Covering Letter.

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