Sam’s growing business for country park thanks to Modern Apprenticeship
Ambitious Sam Anderson dug deep on her Modern Apprenticeship at a country park helping to boost team productivity and educate thousands of local children.
Her apprentice role increased the capacity for ranger-led education and activities at Muiravonside Country Park in Falkirk – benefiting at least 2,550 children and 1,880 adults – and meant that more time could be dedicated to park maintenance.
Single mum Sam, whose son is four, has also helped deliver more than 60 sessions with the conservation group, working with more than 30 volunteers.
The 23-year-old from Grangemouth had drifted from one job to another after leaving high school but was determined to find work she would really enjoy.
Initially, she shadowed the Countryside Ranger on her Rural Skills apprenticeship but, within a few months, she was confidently leading events and group visits herself and loves sharing her knowledge and passion for nature and wildlife with children and adults.
Despite being the first apprentice at the park she has impressed bosses and is continuing to work there having completed her apprenticeship.
She has progressed on to an HNC in Wildlife and Conservation Management.
When the permanent ranger moved to a new post, Sam stepped up to ensure things continued to run smoothly.
Sam said: “As a Modern Apprentice I have gained so much knowledge and learned new skills.
“I’m more than happy to fire into things myself now and I’m doing things I never imagined, like leading events and managing staff.”
Her role includes writing risk assessments and maintaining health and safety, as well as practical maintenance of the country park paths, signage and habitats and carrying out wildlife surveys.
She has successfully completed her Level 5 SVQ in Environmental Conservation, assessed by Scotland’s Rural College, and achieved certificates in outdoor first aid, use of a brush cutter and chainsaw crosscutting.
Sam added: “The apprenticeship is the best job I’ve ever had.
“Being able to work, learn and earn with a Modern Apprenticeship is better than having a typical job.
“Thanks to the apprenticeship I’m learning on the job as well as working to support my wee boy - our future is more secure now.”
Modern Apprentices spend most of their time learning in the workplace while being supported by a learning provider, like a college, to gain an industry recognised qualification.
Falkirk Council Employment Training Co-ordinator Linsay Brown said: “Right from the start Sam completely shone. She’s very ambitious and it was clear she wanted to learn and achieve. She loves doing things for the community and is a real asset.”
Falkirk Council Outdoor Access Team Leader Angus Duncan: “Apprenticeships are a great way to increase the activities we can offer, as well as freeing up more time for jobs that need doing in the park.”
SRUC Oatridge Campus Lecturer and SVQ Assessor Lorna Oldershaw said: “Sam was very proactive, good at embracing technology and rose to every challenge.”
Samantha’s achievements have led to her being a finalist in the Modern Apprentice of the Year SCQF Level 5 category at this year’s Scottish Apprenticeship Awards in association with SP Energy Networks.
The awards take place on 26 February as the launch event for Scottish Apprenticeship Week (2 to 6 March). Find out more about the award finalists and the event by visiting apprenticeships.scot/awards.