OPPORTUNITIES have opened up in the organisation that looks after the Yorkshire Dales for four new apprentices.

The national park authority is looking to recruit two more apprentice rangers in partnership with the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust, with one based in Stainforth and the other in Hawes.

As part if its commitment to its apprentice scheme, the authority is also advertising for a business administrative apprentice and a media officer apprentice, who will study a journalism diploma. Both will be based at the national park authority's headquarters in Bainbridge.

Charlotte Mudd has been given a full time role with the authority following a two year apprenticeship. Charlotte, from Wensleydale, is employed in the communications team, creating multimedia content.

She said: “I would highly recommend an apprenticeship here. Alongside gaining essential experience that employers are looking for, you learn a lot by being around and meeting knowledgeable people and getting an insight into the opportunities that are available. I would really encourage people to apply for the new roles, especially those with an interest in the area and the natural environment.”

Member Champion for Corporate Management at the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, Julie Hutton, said: “Once the four new recruits are in position, we will be hosting five apprentices in total. That’s about the level we’ve been running at each year for the past decade, and is probably the optimum number for an organisation of our size.

“At first we offered apprenticeships only within our ranger service, but in recent years we’ve broadened that out so that people have been recruited to work in a variety of different roles.

“We’ve found that apprentices have boosted the authority’s work and benefitted the culture of the organisation. Outcomes for them have generally been very positive, in terms of their experiences and improved career prospects. Anyone interested in one of these roles should have a look at our vacancies page and can contact the named officer for an informal chat.”

In the last five years, the authority has offered a total of 25 apprenticeships. All apprentices with the national park authority gain recognised qualifications and study support.

More details at https://www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/