⚠️ Archived Content
This page relates to the 2019–2024 National Park Management Plan, which is now archived. For the latest aims and objectives, please visit the 2025–30 Management Plan landing page.
By 2023 provide at least 20 apprenticeships that focus on the skills that are essential to maintaining the National Park’s special qualities.
How the local partners are doing on this objective
Progress: Another 4 apprentices and 2 trainees were taken on by the National Park Authority in 2024/25. This takes the cumulative total of apprentices supported by the Authority and the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust to 46, plus 12 trainees.
Press release & related articles:
15 July 2024 – Apprentice recruitment underway
31 May 2021 – Apply for a Countryside Apprenticeship – you won’t regret it!
27 April 2021 – Westmorland Dales apprentices secure jobs or study
Rationale: The National Park has a disproportionately low number of younger, working age people (18-44). The longer term conservation and enhancement of the National Park’s special qualities will depend on a new generation of farmers, land managers and conservation specialists with the right skills. The key local challenges are in attracting apprentices (high costs of travel and local housing), and in co-ordinating and administering schemes (because most local businesses are very small).
Lead partner: Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority;
Supporting partners: Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust; North Yorkshire Council; Westmorland & Furness Council; Dales Farmer Network; Cumbria Farmer Network
Further information: Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust; Westmorland Dales Apprenticeship Scheme; YDNPA – Apprenticeships
Cost over 5 years: £500,000
Funding shortfall: None
Related objectives: A1; A6; B1; D1; D3; E9; F2
Ecosystem services: Sense of place and inspiration; Sense of history; Recreation; Biodiversity
Trade-offs: None
Baseline: 0