A major nuclear company is offering traineeships to Dorset locals, providing them with essential employment skills for the countryside sector.

Two traineeships per year will be offered to local individuals over three years, helping them acquire the skillset necessary for a career in wildlife conservation.

The Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS) is the new brand of Magnox Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA).

Their socio-economic scheme supports traineeships with the Dorset Wildlife Trust, providing funding for activities that benefit the social or economic life of communities close to NRS facilities.

Past and present trainees from the trust recently visited the Winfrith NRS site in Dorset.

Dorset Echo:

Natalie Fox, one of the trainees, said: “I have just completed a degree studying ecological and wildlife conservation, which was amazing and taught me lots of theory; but this traineeship gives me the chance to learn practical skills, which will help when it comes to applying for jobs as an ecologist. I am extremely grateful to be offered this local opportunity.” 

Rob Coan, NRS Winfrith Site integration manager, added: “We were really pleased to meet the trainees, and show them around the site and explain to them about how we manage our heathland.

“They were interested in learning about what fauna and flora we have on the site, in fact whilst we were out and about one of the party recognised the call of a Dartford Warbler.” 

The trainees have completed training in areas such as chainsaw use, first-aid, tree safety surveying, and brush cutting. They will also undertake AQA qualifications which range from hedge-laying to volunteer management to drystone walling.

Luke Johns, South and East Reserves Manager for the Dorset Wildlife Trust, commented: “The NRS socio-economic fund has enabled Dorset Wildlife Trust the opportunity to offer two traineeships a year for the next three years to gain the relevant skills, qualifications, and experience for a career in practical wildlife conservation.

"We are very proud of our traineeship scheme with 100% of people going on to employment in the conservation sector.”