Building Skills for the Future
The Yorkshire Dales has a challenge that few places face. The number of younger working‑age adults is low, yet caring for this remarkable landscape relies on people with skills in conservation, land management, heritage and nature‑friendly farming. Apprenticeships are a vital route for bringing new talent into the area and supporting local employment.
For this reason, the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority has made apprenticeships a priority.
Our Commitment
The previous National Park Management Plan (2019–23) set a goal to deliver at least 20 apprenticeships by 2023. We exceeded that total and supported an additional 8 trainees across a variety of roles.
The new Management Plan (2025–30) builds on that momentum. By 2030, organisations across the National Park aim to provide at least 30 apprenticeships or traineeships, plus wider training in land skills, conservation, heritage and emerging green skills linked to climate change and nature recovery.
Apprentice Rangers: A Proven Route into Conservation
We’ve supported Apprentice Ranger roles since 2000 and recently welcomed our 35th Ranger Apprentice. Working with partners, especially the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust (YDMT), the scheme offers young people hands‑on experience with local employers while studying part‑time for a Level 2 qualification.
We currently have three Apprentice Rangers through the YDMT Rural Apprenticeship Scheme.
Alan Hulme, Head of Park Management:
“It’s a pleasure to be part of a scheme that brings employers together and gives young people real opportunities across the Dales. The programme keeps growing in strength.”
What Apprentices Can Expect
A Ranger apprenticeship is an 18‑month programme combining practical work experience with college study at Craven College, Skipton.
Apprentices:
- Work 37 hours a week alongside experienced Rangers
- Study for a Level 2 Countryside Worker apprenticeship
- Earn while they learn, starting at £8.15 per hour
- Receive a travel allowance in the first year to support transport in rural areas
- Access a training bursary of up to £3,500 for certified courses
Training can include chainsaw and brushcutter use, ATV driving, habitat surveying, species identification and trailer handling. The bursary allows each apprentice to focus on skills that will strengthen their CV.
Beyond Ranger Roles
The success of the Ranger programme led the Authority to broaden its apprenticeship offer. Opportunities have included roles in:
- Communications (Content creation and Journalism)
- Wildlife Conservation
- Planning
- Historic Environment
- Business Administration (HR, Finance, IT, Legal)
Many former apprentices now work for other National Parks or conservation organisations. The very first Apprentice Ranger still lives in the Dales and runs his own landscaping business.
Charlotte Mudd, Communications Team:
“I’d really recommend an apprenticeship here. You gain essential experience and learn so much from the people around you. It opens your eyes to the opportunities available, especially if you care about this place.”
No Current Vacancies?
When new opportunities are advertised, they appear on our Vacancies page alongside all other job roles. It’s worth checking this page regularly:
https://www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/park-authority/vacancies/
You may also be interested in the apprenticeship schemes run by the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust, which work with a range of employers across the Dales:
https://www.ydmt.org/what-we-do/young-people/apprenticeships
If you’re keen to gain experience in the meantime, our volunteering programmes offer a great way to get involved in practical conservation and countryside work:
https://www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/park-authority/looking-after/volunteering-with-us/
If you have any questions about future apprenticeships, you’re welcome to get in touch.
Contact: Vikki Thomas, Head of HR vikki.thomas@yorkshiredales.org.uk
Could an apprenticeship be for you? Why not check out this blog by one of our former apprentices for inspiration.