Careerships - Tell Me More
How does the programme work?
Careership is the National Trust's award-winning programme, launched in 1991. We concentrate on developing rare skills in practical settings, nurturing the talents we need to keep protecting our natural heritage. Join us as a trainee, and your days will become as rewarding as they are inspiring. In just three years, you'll achieve recognised qualifications and will take your first steps in a career that could lead to a lifetime of fulfilment with the Trust.
You'll be offered employment at a specially selected National Trust garden, area of countryside or coastline. This will become your workplace for the next three years, where with plenty of help and support from senior Trust colleagues, you'll develop a range of new skills. Working alongside colleagues, the local community and volunteers, you'll gain a real understanding of the work of the National Trust with people and places in your local area, and beyond.
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Each year, you'll spend around 10 weeks at college (in one- or two-week blocks), before returning to your workplace to carry out assignments and complete your NVQ portfolio, putting theory into practice.
A sensible blend of college theory and hands-on work, with plenty of constructive reviews, means you'll quickly progress in your chosen field:
Year one - joining and learning
In year one the hard work begins immediately and you'll quickly get to know the landscape and the team at your National Trust property, and the challenges of college.
Year two - developing and consolidating
Your training will become more in-depth in year two, both at your workplace and at college, as you complete NVQ Level 2, commence NVQ Level 3 and move on to the RHS certificate for Gardeners, or finalise your NCEC for Wardens.
Year three - graduating and moving on
As you round off your training and complete your NVQ Level 3 you'll be supported with career information to apply for jobs with us, whilst still carrying out vital work at your National Trust property. The year culminates in a graduation ceremony in the summer.
So what next?
