Learning Team Internship applications for 2020 are now closed
Applications for 2021 will open in January 2021.
If you would like to find out more about Learning Team Internships with Suffolk Wildlife Trust download a Recruitment Pack:
Take a look at Hannah's 1-second-a-day video for an insight into life as an intern
I just wanted to say a massive thank you for the experience and opportunities you have given me. They openly said at the interview that the experience from my internship and voluntary work with yourselves was what got me the interview and ultimately the job! I cannot thank you enough for that.
Are you looking to develop your knowledge, skills and experience to gain future employment in the Outdoor Learning sector?
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Many?talented people want to pursue a career with a conservation organisation?but lack the necessary skills and experience. Our voluntary internships provide essential skills and experience required through work based learning and training. The hugely successful voluntary internship scheme has been in a place for a number of years and we are proud that so many of our interns have gone on to develop their careers in conservation.?
About the scheme
The scheme provides seven internships across Suffolk at our learning centres, in Ipswich parks and green spaces and on the coast. Voluntary interns generally attend three days a week for six months from march to September. They undertake practical experience and training that will boost their chances of successfully gaining paid employment on completion.
Experience Provided
The mix of activities varies, depending on the voluntary intern's placement and location. The placements vary significantly and the intern may be based at a learning centre on a nature reserve or at our head office covering sites across Ipswich and on the coast.
Experience gained will be relevant to the nature and location of each internship.
Interns will assist the Wild Learning Officer in:
- Planning, developing and delivering high quality, inspiring learning opportunities for children young people, adults and families, including schools.
- Developing and delivering an activity-based family learning programme at weekends and throughout the school holidays
- Developing relevant learning activities for organisations working with individuals and groups with special interests
- Planning, developing and delivering a programme of meaningful learning activities and extended learning opportunities for schools from Early Years to A level
- Harnessing social media networks to promote and celebrate activities and reach beyond our current audience
- Supporting and supervising volunteers to assist with developing and delivering learning opportunities at our reserves and other local sites
Interns will play a full and active role in the Trust’s learning team, attending meetings and undertaking Continuing Professional Development (CPD) as appropriate. Delivering activities at large events at other centres and at county events, including the Suffolk Show and Latitude.
During their placement, interns are expected to?maintain?and promote?the high standards of Suffolk Wildlife Trust and deputise?for the Wild Learning Officer, where necessary.
What training is on offer?
In addition to the skills acquired through work based learning, the scheme also develops skills through training. All voluntary interns have a two day induction programme at our head office near Ipswich.
Training opportunities as appropriate?include:
- Level 1 Introduction to Forest School principles (OCN West Midlands Accredited)
- Forest School skills courses
- Level 3 Wild Beach Leader?(OCN West Midlands Accredited)
- Safeguarding, including PREVENT training
- Anti-bullying training
- Choice of one adult learning course
Individual Personal Development Plan
At the start of the voluntary internship each intern will meet with their mentor to agree objectives in line with their personal?development plan. This process provides interns with the opportunity to set relevant objectives for the six month placement. These are reviewed and updated regularly during one to one meetings with their mentor. An appraisal and exit interview at the end of the programme will offer career guidance and support. On completion interns will receive a certificate and references as required.
What you will need
A commitment to three days per week for six months is essential.
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Qualifications and experience
Desirable
A levels or equivalent
Current driving licence and own transport
Experience of working with children and young people
Experience of outdoor learning
Knowledge and skills
Desirable
Knowledge and understanding of natural history and nature conservation
Essential
Ability to inspire, excite and enthuse people of all ages about nature
Good communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to work on own initiative and cooperatively as part of a team
Administration and IT skills, including competent use of Microsoft Office
Personal qualities
Essential
Enthusiastic and self-motivated
Eager to learn and to try new things
Conscientious with a careful attention to detail
Reliable and responsible
Flexible approach to weekend and evening working, where appropriate
Committed to the vision and values of Suffolk Wildlife Trust
A Suffolk Wildlife Trust uniform appropriate to the role will be provided. Travel expenses will be reimbursed for travel over and above your normal home to placement location commute.
Follow our internships blog
Poetry, photography and birds of prey at Carlton Marshes
Hello, I’m Emma, one of this year’s Wild Learning Voluntary Interns based at Carlton Marshes. I applied to this internship as I have…
Shorter days, falling leaves and tonnes of blackberries
Continued Professional Development is a pretty normal thing for me in September, however this September I found myself on the other side…
Edible poo and bird bingo at Lackford!
So this is it. I’ve finally come to the end of an absolutely incredible adventure.
August festivals and family fun
As we reach the end of the summer break I am looking back and all I can think is wow, how have I fitted it all in! I have never had such…
Feeling reflective at Carlton Marshes
With only a couple of weeks left of my internship, I am left feeling somewhat reflective of my time at Carlton Marshes and with Suffolk…
Schools out for summer!
July has now virtually come to an end, which means I’m now into the final leg of the internship- one month to go!!!
Sunny days and sandy toes
July has been a whole new experience for me. Where in previous years I have been winding down for the year and preparing myself for six…
30 Days Wild at Lackford!
The challenge this month was to champion 30 Days Wild for Lackford Lakes. I have become in Sophie’s words ‘the queen of instagram’!
Family fun and connecting with nature.
The summer has well and truly arrived! The learning team are working flat out delivering school sessions, regular groups and weekend…