Advice needed please for future career

[stephen p]

Hello Everyone,

Im looking to start a new career soon.
I have been very interested in Gardening and Landscaping all my life, growing up and working on my Gran's farm has done it and my dad being very keen on gardening.

I want to to get into Landscaping/Gardening, but have no job/work experience or Qualifications.
I have found a few courses to get some certificates under my belt i.e Chainsaw licence, drystone walling, etc.

Can anyone give me some advice on what i should do to get a job in this line of work?

All the help and advice will be much appreciated


Stephen

[tufftie]

If you want to get more involved with conservation try the BTCV - they will provide training on what used to be called long term volunteer programme - and a reference afterwards.
There's also volunteering / training with the RSPB (they provide accom) and a good reference and it is who you know with them; lots of vols get jobs with them that way.
If it's gardening then try contacting somewhere like Kew for training or National Trust. Or you could see if there are any trainee placements in Horticulture Weekly (assuming it's still running).

[wyevilla]

Hi Stephen

I would suggest a two-pronged attack.

Firstly, try the things that Tuftie suggests and, in the mean-time, try advertising your services as a part-time gardener etc.

This will, hopefully bring in some useful money whilst building up your experience. You will also be in a better position to find out what skills are required for this sort of work in your local area. You can then decide which courses /qualifications you need to acquire.

The very best of luck.

[Kymba]

You can also try Volunteering to Age Concern and other needy charities to do gardens for the old and the needy.. Also try your local council for volunteering your services in Local schools and houses they are doing up for selling or letting.. another one that may use you are letting agents who need gardens on their houses regularly sorted out.

Good luck.

[stephen p]

Cheers team, I have found a volunteering notice on the Wildlife Trust for one of there sites only a few minutes away from me which is great news.

So im going to apply for that and start gaining my experience with them.
It's at a local ancient wood, involves habitat management (coppicing, scrub clearance, hay making), estate management (fencing, hedgelaying, path maintenance), assisting with woodland produce (firewood processing, hurdle making) and some ecological survey work.

Just what i need to gain valuable experience.

[C C]

Originally Posted by stephen p

Cheers team, I have found a volunteering notice on the Wildlife Trust for one of there sites only a few minutes away from me which is great news.

So im going to apply for that and start gaining my experience with them.
It's at a local ancient wood, involves habitat management (coppicing, scrub clearance, hay making), estate management (fencing, hedgelaying, path maintenance), assisting with woodland produce (firewood processing, hurdle making) and some ecological survey work.

Just what i need to gain valuable experience.

I do a lot of these above activities, and i promise...you will enjoy every minute.


I started small. Garden Maintenance...trimming hedges, mowing the lawn, and all those other garden chores. When i built up a customer base,i then expanded into Hard Landscaping. Your regulars for the Soft Landscaping will keep you a float if the Hard side is slow. Now i do full Property Maintenance, and it's great.


Regards Christian.

[stephen p]

Hello Christian,

I went down to the Wildlife Trust site today and luckily got to talk to someone who works there. So now they have my details and are going to pass it on to the person in charge, which is great news.

When you started out Christian did you have any experience in that line of work?

Cheers,

Stephen

Originally Posted by C C

I do a lot of these above activities, and i promise...you will enjoy every minute.


I started small. Garden Maintenance...trimming hedges, mowing the lawn, and all those other garden chores. When i built up a customer base,i then expanded into Hard Landscaping. Your regulars for the Soft Landscaping will keep you a float if the Hard side is slow. Now i do full Property Maintenance, and it's great.


Regards Christian.

[C C]

Originally Posted by stephen p

Hello Christian,

I went down to the Wildlife Trust site today and luckily got to talk to someone who works there. So now they have my details and are going to pass it on to the person in charge, which is great news.

When you started out Christian did you have any experience in that line of work?

Cheers,

Stephen

That is great news Stephen


Answer to your question Yes and No

I have always had an interest in what i do. My experience varied, like most I started out with what i did Know, and learnt along the way. In my spare time i would Volunteer with various orgs, and/or put myself on courses, and in doing so i gained more Knowledge and Skills. Volunteering will also let people know who you are, and what you are capable of. So you are going in the right direction.

P.s. Sorry if i'm a bit vague i have problems putting thought to words.


Regards Christian.

[ron1863]

Hi Stephen, listen to everyones advice but keep applying for courses as the more certificates you have the better chance you will have of getting employment.
I started employment at fifteen working outdoors but changed to nursing after several years and although I enjoyed my career in this field, I always regretted not pursuing a career outdoors as I always loved the outdoors and wildlife.

[stephen p]

Ron1863 - Cheers, i will deffinetly be doing as many courses as i can and my bank balance can

I love the outdoors and wildlife, i can't wait to get started!

[stephen p]

A quick update.

I have had a phone call from the man in charge at the Wildlife Trust for Lower Woods and i start my volunteer work on Feb 17th

Can't wait to get started, the start of good things.

I will keep you all updated

[stephen p]

Hello Everyone,

Just to say i did my first days volunteering on Sunday @ the Wildlife Trust Lower Woods Site.

Did Coppicing on my first day and loved it, had done a bit before but this was on a much larger scale.

Regards,

Stephen

[tufftie]

Glad you're enjoying it - seemt o remember the WT are good to vol. for coppicing is good fun - did you have a bonfire?

[dragonfly]

work for yourself

[stephen p]

Originally Posted by tufftie

Glad you're enjoying it - seemt o remember the WT are good to vol. for coppicing is good fun - did you have a bonfire?

Cheers Tufftie, they are good and i have found a lot more voluntry work in my area aswell.

No, no bonfire but great fun

[blueboar]

For jobs have you looked at the CJS (countryside Jobs service) this has most of the consevation job in the country advertised in it

Countryside Jobs Service: CJS Daily Online

As for volunteering, The National Trust or the RSPB and Wildlife Trusts, also look at some summer contracts and possibly winter ones with the above and local authorities.


This is how I got started 15ish yrs ago, and now managing a 2000 acre reserve for the Trust.

[Hoppingmad]

Stephen

Try looking at Environmental Jobs and Volunteering in the UK and signing up for email alerts when jobs come up. There are some interesting opportunities some of which may suit you although they are all over the UK.

I agree with a previous post - get as many qualifications as you can. Don't worry if it takes a few years, it is better to be working steadily towards something you really want than looking back and having regrets about things not done! (If you see what I mean!). I'm 44 and not far off finishing an OU degree in Environmental Studies but I could be 44 without a (nearly) degree!

Good luck and glad you are enjoying your volunteering.

[stephen p]

Originally Posted by blueboar

For jobs have you looked at the CJS (countryside Jobs service) this has most of the consevation job in the country advertised in it

Countryside Jobs Service: CJS Daily Online

As for volunteering, The National Trust or the RSPB and Wildlife Trusts, also look at some summer contracts and possibly winter ones with the above and local authorities.


This is how I got started 15ish yrs ago, and now managing a 2000 acre reserve for the Trust.

Thank you Blueboar, thats a great website i will keep checking.
I have found a few summer courses and volunteering programs which is great.

Originally Posted by Hoppingmad

Stephen

Try looking at Environmental Jobs and Volunteering in the UK and signing up for email alerts when jobs come up. There are some interesting opportunities some of which may suit you although they are all over the UK.

I agree with a previous post - get as many qualifications as you can. Don't worry if it takes a few years, it is better to be working steadily towards something you really want than looking back and having regrets about things not done! (If you see what I mean!). I'm 44 and not far off finishing an OU degree in Environmental Studies but I could be 44 without a (nearly) degree!

Good luck and glad you are enjoying your volunteering.

Another great website thanks buddy.
Your right this is something im not going to rush i want to get this right and learn as much as i can.

Well for doing the degree thats great.

Cheers,

Stephen

[dampflippers]

Can I suggest that you keep a record of what you do.

Take a camera along and get photos of you at work, and the work itself.
This in the future can be used if you are studying or have to show what practical skills you have.

Also write up what you are taught while you remember it, and also any safety precautions ie safe use of tools, woring near water etc.
Being able to take a portfolio of your work even if only volunteer will help in job or college interviews, and may eventually help with a business website.

Join wildlife organisations.

Good luck!