Environmental charity looking for young Highland talent to help tackle the climate emergency
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FRESH talent is being sought to help the Highlands battle the energy crisis and tackle climate change.
Environmental charity, Changeworks, through its recently launched graduate scheme, is seeking applications from Highland-based graduates looking to "kickstart a meaningful career" in the environmental sector.
The scheme is open to students of all subject disciplines and backgrounds. It is specifically designed for recent graduates looking for a career based in Inverness on a hybrid contract.
Deputy chief executive at Changeworks, Liz Partington, explained: “As an organisation we work all across Scotland, but we know the importance having opportunities for people to support their community. That’s why we want to offer opportunities not just to those in the Central Belt but in all the communities we work in. The graduate scheme gives people starting their first professional role a wealth of valuable experience across a number of roles. It provides the technical knowledge, skills, and additional qualifications to set them up for a successful career in the environmental sector.”
During the two-year programme graduate trainees will gain work experience across a number of roles, with the chance to earn SQA recognised qualifications. This includes placements across specialist services like the Home Energy Scotland and Affordable Warmth teams, directly supporting households to save energy and feel warmer in their homes.
There will also be the opportunity to acquire valuable industry knowledge of renewables in the new Retrofit service, helping households to instal energy efficiency technologies in their homes.
Current graduate trainee, Colin Wheatly, who is on placement with Home Energy Scotland said: “The work I’ve done has been very broad and has provided me with a fantastic idea of the scope of the industry. [The scheme] has been a fantastic experience so far, the role has been the perfect fit for what I was looking for with fantastic support at the start of my career.”
Potential applicants don’t need any specific work experience in the sector. Any experience working in a customer setting, in a group, or working on a project is welcomed. “If you are a recent graduate looking for a career that makes a difference every day and looking for an opportunity in the Highlands – we’d love to hear from you,” said Liz Partington.
Applications for the graduate scheme are open until May 15. information, as well as application forms, can be found on the Changeworks website at www.changeworks.org.uk.
