On Friday 31 March 2023, Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust celebrated the end of their hugely successful four-year traineeship programme with a reunion celebration event.  Thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the groundbreaking Natural Prospects project has enabled 30 local people to take their first steps into careers in urban conservation. 

The purpose of the traineeship was to help tackle the barriers that some individuals face when looking for work in the environmental conservation sector.  The programme therefore welcomed applications from non-graduates, those in receipt of benefits or people from black or minority ethnic groups. 

The trainees worked towards a City & Guilds Level 2 Work Based Diploma in Environmental Conservation whilst gaining practical hands-on skills and experience from their expert mentors during their 12-month placements.  Local Authorities supported the Natural Prospects traineeship by providing one placement opportunity each year at the Lickey Hills (Birmingham City Council), Walsall Arboretum (Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council) and Pendeford Mill Nature Reserve (Wolverhampton City Council).  The remaining trainees completed their placement year directly with Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust alongside their conservation and engagement teams. 

All trainees who have successfully achieved their Level 2 Diplomas have moved into further education, studying environmental subjects, or secured employment within the conservation sector; five trainees have since secured roles directly with Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust.