Hello All you prospective NTAP’s
I’m Lyn Byrne and I am the newest NTAP currently ‘on the books’. I am doing the apprenticeship in Invasive Species Management and having a really great time. I work on the Lough Neagh wetlands over in sunny Northern Ireland helping in the fight against invasive species as well as learning all about the little critters out there.
In a Natural Talent Apprenticeship there is no such thing as a ‘typical’ working day! Things are always evolving and plans changing. I’m currently doing a few projects that are helping me learn lots and lots of different skills to help me morph into an invasive species manager. As well as the projects I have my mentors who are fantastic and teach me everything I need to know as well as offering advice and guidance. I also spend time attending workshops and training days which are brilliant and really great value as you are generally able to use the training as soon as your back to work.
As a NTAP you are an ambassador for BTCV Scotland, the Natural Talent scheme, your chosen field and YOURSELF! Everyone I’ve met thinks the apprenticeship scheme is a brilliant idea and I often get offers of one-off mentoring opportunities from experts who are really happy to have someone to share there info with but don’t have the time to commit to being an official mentor.
If your thinking of applying to the Apprenticeship scheme then here are a few words of advice;
1) If you’ve read the job spec and instantly thought ‘this job was written for me’ then it probably was so go for it and make sure that you keep that in mind as it helps your confidence at the interview stage.
2) Don’t expect the apprenticeship to be easy – you really have to put the time and effort in if you want to get the most out of it. It’s not a ‘short-course’ it’s a once in a lifetime chance to immerse yourself totally in your chosen subject and learn all you can. You only get out what you put in – so no slackers, lol!
3) Research the post as much as possible – speak to the Natural Talent Coordinators, they are great people and will be happy to give you information about the post that they couldn’t squeeze onto the job spec. This may help you to grasp the general layout of the apprenticeship and also give you the opportunity to think of your key targets for what you’d like to get out of the apprenticeship and how these targets could benefit your host organisation(s).
Also feel free to blog the current NTAP’s – we are happy to offer advice and have been exactly where you are and are able to offer advice and answer questions about the apprenticeships that the coordinators may be unable to.
4) Be confident, there is nothing scary about the interviews. It’s not like a normal job so you can be sure that it’s not a normal interview. You don’t have to have qualifications and experience coming out of your ears you just have to show that you are passionate about your subject and that you hope to continue working within that field for the foreseeable. Being driven and passionate are far more important in a NTA than anything else.
5) Make sure your comfotable with being the envy of everyone you met!!!!!!!!! It rocks, lol!
Finally the last bit of info for you – This if one of the best jobs and experiences anyone could ask for, ask any one of us and we’d say the same.
Good luck
Lyn