Four former apprentices are celebrating career success after securing permanent jobs with the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority.
The quartet have progressed into full-time positions across the authority’s ranger, communications and IT teams after completing apprenticeships designed to help young people develop careers within the rural economy.
Alfie Baines and Benedict Parkin both completed the Countryside Worker apprenticeship through the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust Rural Apprenticeship scheme and have now moved into Access Ranger roles.
Alfie is based in Orton, while Benedict will work from Hawes.
The apprenticeship programme gives young people the opportunity to gain practical countryside skills and nationally recognised qualifications, including chainsaw and brushcutter use, ATV driving, habitat surveying and species identification.
Meanwhile, Tabitha McNicholas has completed a National Council for the Training of Journalists journalism apprenticeship through Darlington College and has joined the authority’s communications team.
Jim Ingham has also secured a permanent role as an IT Support Officer after completing a Business Administration apprenticeship through Craven College.
The authority says it plans to continue investing in apprenticeships, with further opportunities expected to be launched in the coming months, including a Multi Channel Marketer role and additional rural apprenticeships in partnership with the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust.
Julie Hutton, member champion for corporate management at the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, said the organisation had developed a strong record of supporting young people into careers.
She said: “We have a strong track record of developing young talent within the National Park, with former apprentices now well established across our ranger, land management and communications teams.
“It brings the total number of apprenticeships offered by this Authority over the last five years to more than 25.
“In an area where opportunities for young people can be limited, offering high-quality apprenticeships is essential to helping local people begin their careers, grow in confidence and build long-term futures within the rural economy.”
