In addition to developing their Natural Heritage Skills, either landscape or sea focused, the trainees were given the opportunity to avail of a range of external training that would prepare them for a career in the nature conservation sector.  A part of this initiative, Jean Haworth from Customer Sense Training and Consultancy designed and delivered Job Search Skills and Project Management training.

To start off, Jean Haworth met with Sheila Lyons, Project Coordinator from Ulster Wildlife, to map out the course content for both courses, ensuring it was pitched at the right level for the target audience.

Job Search Skills consisted of two days’ training where trainees learned how to write a CV, complete a job application form, and perform at interview. Candidates practised performing at interview using job roles they were likely to apply for in the conservation sector in the future. Jean provided verbal and written feedback on performance and identified improvement opportunities for each trainee.

Some job roles in the sector include managing projects, consequently the learners found the one day Managing Projects course very relevant and useful.  The training took learners through the key stages of project managing including planning, implementing, monitoring and controlling and the use of automated tools in project management.  A highly interactive day with learners being able to practise the skills and techniques learned by completing some elements of a “mini project” in class.

Proof of Learning was further demonstrated through a short multiple – choice questionnaire.

Interaction on both courses was good and trainees provided encouraging feedback on the relevance and benefits of the training.

Feedback on Job Search Skills

“It was very helpful to gain the point of view of someone like Jean, who has worked for years as an interviewer and has great experience in application review. The practise application and interview sections of the course were particularly useful as it allowed us to discuss strengths and weaknesses with “the interviewer” in preparation for future job applications and interviews. Jean was very approachable and helpful and made all the resources used on the course easily available to all attendees.”

Feedback on Project Management

“This was an enjoyable one-day course that succinctly addressed all the aspects of general project management. It was an ideal overview of all the key points one needs to consider, with room to extend considerations beyond general application to the more particular details of a project. Jean delivered the training in a friendly, informal style that encouraged group participation, again making all resources available to attendees for future reference.”