Riverlution Apprenticeships - Rosie's Story

At the River Stewardship Company, we’re committed to future-proofing businesses and society by inspiring, educating and connecting local people to their local patch.

Through our Riverlution CIC, we are passionate about helping people start their careers in the environmental sector. Our River Stewardship Skills and Apprenticeship schemes provide access to the practical skills and training needed to help forge a future in river management or a career in the environmental sector, and in turn help us with our goal to make better waterways for people, places and wildlife.

As part of a celebration of Green Careers this Green Careers Week - 7-12 November, we'd love to share Rosie's story with you!

#greencareers #greencareersweek #GCW2022 www.greencareersweek.com

Rosie’s story

Rosie, aged 30 from Sheffield completed her Riverlution apprenticeship earlier this year and is now employed as a site operative at the River Stewardship Company.

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What inspired you to join the Riverlution apprentice scheme?

I have always had a keen interest in nature and being outdoors. As I lacked qualifications, I thought an apprenticeship would be a great way to get into the environmental sector.

What are your interests or what kind of work did you want to get involved in?

I really enjoy working with volunteers, it's a great opportunity to meet new, like-minded people who genuinely care about Sheffield's waterways.

What are you enjoying most about being an apprentice at the River Stewardship Company?

I love being part of the River Stewardship Skills Scheme. I have gained lots of new skills such as hedge-laying and willow-spilling and gained knowledge on freshwater ecology and the importance of green prescribing and how nature can benefit our wellbeing and mental health.

What does being an apprentice mean to you?

Working part of a close team, learning a wide variety of new skills and practices.

What do you think you would be doing if you hadn’t joined the River Stewardship Company?

In lots of debt after studying a wildlife conservation course...

What are your next steps and aspirations for the future?

I would like to help deliver the River Stewardship Skills Scheme programme. I am soon to be partaking in a foraging course so it would be a great opportunity to provide an insight of the abundance of goods to be foraged along our riverbanks!

What advice would you give someone considering an apprenticeship or career in river management or environmental conservation?

Apprenticeships are a great way to get into the sector if you don't have any relevant qualifications or experience. I have learnt so much since I started working for the RSC and gained many certificates such as power boat, brushcutter, robomower and pesticide through my training here.

Find out more about the Riverlution River Stewardship Skills scheme and register your interest here

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