Career Development

Learning is at the heart of everything we do

Learning really is at the heart of everything we do here at the National Trust. In fact, education and access were key to the founding of the Trust back in 1895.

Today, learning forms an integral part of our overall strategic plan, and we are committed to building on our strengths as a learning organisation.

Learning brings a sense of discovery and an enthusiasm for sharing knowledge; it’s also incredibly rewarding in its own right. You see, we want you to enjoy your work, feel supported and challenged, and have a say in your own personal and professional development. Which is why you’ll be given your very own Personal Development Programme.

Through the Programme you will receive encouragement, support and training from day one to further develop your knowledge and skills. Beginning with an interactive online induction programme to build your understanding of the work of the Trust, your career will progress through on-the-job training, flexible e-learning options, and opportunities for formal training. Where appropriate, the Trust will provide financial support to help you study towards relevant formal qualifications, including time off for your college study, or even opportunities for secondments, allowing you to gain valuable experience in another area of the National Trust.

Key to our philosophy of developing people and nurturing talent, is our Careership training scheme, a unique 3-year apprenticeship programme for trainee gardeners and wardens leading to qualifications. If you’d like to know more about this scheme, visit our dedicated website Skilled Futures (opens in a new window).