Applications for our 2026 Conservation & Climate Change Traineeship are now open

Group of young people in clearing in wood. They are all raising their arms in celebration.

Applications for our 2026 Conservation & Climate Change Traineeship are now open

North Wales Wildlife Trust are offering a free conservation and climate change traineeship course for 12 young people across northeast Wales this summer!

Through our pioneering youth programmes, we connect young people from across North Wales with the wonderful wildlife on their doorstep, inspiring them to act as custodians for the natural environment. 2026 marks the first year hosting our annual Conservation & Climate Change Traineeship in the northeast. This unique, week-long training course is open to young people aged 16–24 living across northeast Wales, including Conwy.

Two trainees crouched in tall grass with a bug net and an ID guide looking for insects

Why should you apply?

For seven years, this hugely successful programme has run in Anglesey and Gwynedd. Now, it’s coming to the northeast to give you the opportunity to develop practical skills, explore your local natural environment, and gain formal accreditations in everything from land management to bushcraft!

You’ll have the opportunity to meet other budding conservationists, visit a number of amazing sites across North Wales and learn from our knowledgeable staff here at North Wales Wildlife Trust.

Many of our past traineeship alumni have gone on to pursue careers in a variety of professional roles; including invasive species removal, ecology, biodiversity monitoring, and much more, so why not take your first steps into a career in the green sector?

Four trainees lighting and maintaining a kelly kettle whilst sitting on the floor in the woods

What’s involved?

Practical conservation training using a range of hand tools
Learn about nature reserve management
Improve your ID skills
Receive formal qualifications and accreditations
Marine conservation
REC first aid one day course
Learn how to support communities to act for nature
Outdoor skills including green wood working

An large wooden outdoor classroom with benches dotted around with young people working with willow. Front right of the picture is James, one of the trainees. He is sat on a bench with a block of wood in front of him, and lots of willow sticking up out of it, as he winds an extra piece around his supports to build a willow bird feeder.

What do you need to know?

The course will run from Monday 27 July – Friday 31 July
It’s FREE!
You must be between 16 and 24 years old to apply
You must live in northeast Wales or Conwy county
Don't drive? Don't worry - we can arrange transport for each day

You don’t need to have any specific qualifications to apply, we only ask that you can commit to attending each day of the course, can follow health and safety instructions and have a keen interest in learning about nature, conservation and climate change.

Applications close: Sunday 5 July 2026