Spotlight on Careers in the Environmental Sector

Manchester is a thriving city with expected growth over the next 10 years Finding the Right Fit

What skills are employers looking for? Employers want people with “softer” skills and qualities as well as strong academic or vocational qualifications. These can include: Finding the Right Fit

Spotlight on the Environmental Sector If you care about the world around you and everything that lives in it, you may like to think about a career in the land-based and environmental sector. In 2014, Lantra - the sector skills council - estimated that there are 230,000 businesses and around 1.3 million employees working in the sector. The Office for National Statistics' (ONS) November 2016 Labour Force Survey showed that 358,000 people were employed in the agriculture, forestry and fishing industry between July and September 2016. Lantra's 2014 research forecast that 595,000 entrants would be required to work in environment and sustainability by 2020, including 447,000 workers to replace those of retirement age. Finding the Right Fit

What fields are available in the Environmental sector? Solar Energy Geothermal Energy Ecology And Conservation Air Quality Control Recycling and Waste Management Environmental Monitoring and Planning Alternative Fuels Water Treatment Building Technology Finding the Right Fit

What is the apprenticeship route into the Environmental sector? An apprenticeship is a real job with training that will enable you to earn as you learn whilst gaining a nationally recognised qualification The qualifications you gain on an apprenticeship are equivalent to the following GCSE’s and A Levels: Intermediate Level 2 5 GCSE passes at grades A* to C Advanced Level 3 2 A level passes Higher Level 4,5,6 and 7 Foundation degree and above Degree Level 6 and 7 Bachelor’s or master’s degree There are apprenticeship qualifications in the following areas this sector: Ecologist  Ranger/Senior Ranger Recycling Officer  Environmental Management Officer Estate Worker  Access/Recreation Officer Finding the Right Fit

Case Study: Conor – Horticulture Apprentice Conor works for Manchester City Council in Bereavement Services and is in the process of completing his apprenticeship including an NVQ 2 in ground maintenance and horticulture. After trying other roles, Conor realised he wanted to work outdoors and follow his father’s footsteps as a groundsman. He is based at Gorton Cemetery and works in a small team of four, which Conor thinks is a good learning environment. He has been given lots of responsibility, opportunities for hands on learning, developed his communication skills by dealing with visitors to the cemetery in a helpful and respectful manner, and completed Health and Safety and First Aid training. Conor’s manager has given him regular constructive feedback, set up a clear development plan and shown him that if he does well there is clear progression into a supervisor role. Conor would definitely recommend an apprenticeship in grounds maintenance and horticulture to anyone who enjoys working outdoors. Finding the Right Fit

For more information, please speak with your career advisor or visit: nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk manchester.gov.uk/rpa