Source: Belfast Hills Partnership.

Returning for the eighth year running, the highly successful Trainee Ranger Scheme offers young people aged 18-25 an opportunity to boost both their employability and wellbeing. Whilst providing practical experience in the environmental sector, the scheme also aims to improve the health and wellbeing of those taking part by getting them out into nature and forging friendships with other participants.

The Trainee Ranger Scheme is aimed at young people who want to gain skills and qualifications that will help them move on to employment or further training. No prior experience is necessary. Training is provided, so all abilities and backgrounds are welcome.

Weekly tasks include tree planting, habitat management and wildlife surveys. Young people will also get the opportunity to be a part of behind the scenes visits to different sites to provide insights into different employment options available in the sector. Participants will also receive a Wild Youth Award and gain a Lantra accreditation in the use of strimmers and brushcutters.

Past participants of the Scheme have gone on to secure employment with groups such as Belfast Hills Partnership, RSPB, Ulster Wildlife, The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) and CEDaR.

The project welcome hardworking and enthusiastic individuals aged 18 – 25 who may be unemployed, looking to gain work experience and increase their employability skills or simply experience something new. The Scheme is also for people who want to work outdoors and do their bit to care for nature. 

One of last year’s Trainee Rangers had this to say about the Scheme: “Growing up, my experience of being in a green space was in a football pitch. I didn’t know the whole world of foraging and conservation existed. When having a rough time, I gave Belfast Hills Partnership’s Trainee Ranger Scheme a go. The positive effect on my mental health was instant. Being out in the fresh air and having a purpose really changed my life. Meeting like-minded people my age and having something practical to look forward to, helped me start a better path, one I never dreamed I’d be on. I got my strimming license through the project, and I’m now working as a gardener. My days are all about being in nature and I love it.”

Application Process to the Trainee Ranger Scheme

The deadline for applications is Tuesday 9th September 2025 at 5pm.

The scheme starts on Tuesday 30th September, and takes place every Tuesday for fifteen weeks from 10am to 3pm. There will be a break at Halloween and Christmas.

To apply visit the website. For more information email silvia.galli@belfasthills.org or phone the Belfast Hills Partnership office on 028 9060 3466.

The Trainee Ranger Scheme is part of Wild Youth, a joint project between the Belfast Hills Partnership and Ulster Wildlife, funded by The National Lottery Community Fund NI and Breedon Group. Wild Youth delivers wild wellbeing sessions with young people in and around the Belfast Hills, using nature to improve their physical and mental health.