Young people in the Dales and surrounding urban areas, particularly those from ethnic backgrounds, who are living with a disability or are from low income households are being encouraged to apply for a new work placement opportunity with the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority.
This 12-month paid placement, based in Grassington, will offer hands-on experience and the chance to deliver education and engagement activities in the National Park.
The role is part of the wider New to Nature programme, funded by The National Heritage Lottery Fund, which offers paid work placements to undertake roles across the natural environment and landscape sector. The programme focuses on attracting young people who are from diverse backgrounds as research shows that:
- 57% of disabled people feel excluded from being able to reduce their environmental impact
- less than 5% of environment professionals are from ethnic minority backgrounds.
This innovative new initiative aims to inspire and show those who aren’t the typical demographic that green jobs are both an accessible and exciting prospect, that in turn boosts the diversity of the green employment sector.
Kevin Frea, Member Champion for Promoting Understanding at the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, said: “We’re excited to provide the first stepping stone for a young person to embark on a fulfilling career in the green sector. We encourage young people to get in touch to find out more about this placement and the worthwhile work that our organisation does.”
New to Nature is also supporting the work of Green Careers Week, a Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs-run initiative, that aims to promote the personal and wider-planet benefits of green sector and environmental jobs.
The application deadline is Friday 11 November 2022. To find out more or to apply, visit here.
