At a Glance
- Tasks: Support community engagement projects and help connect people with nature.
- Company: Join the National Trust, dedicated to protecting nature and heritage.
- Benefits: Enjoy a substantial pension, free entry to Trust places, and flexible working.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with excellent career growth opportunities and support throughout your apprenticeship.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on climate change and community wellbeing while learning valuable skills.
- Qualifications: No experience needed, just enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.
The predicted salary is between 15000 - 20000 £ per year.
Come and join us on a National Trust apprenticeship where we will support and develop you to play an integral part in our work to tackle climate change, protect historic sites and help people and nature thrive. You don’t need experience for this role, just loads of enthusiasm and a desire to learn. On successful completion you will have an Advanced Apprenticeship, taking your first steps towards a future career in Community Engagement, Participation and Volunteering.
What it’s like to work here
You will develop skills in planning, organising and delivering arts, culture and community engagement projects, coordinating events and activities, and communicating effectively with diverse audiences. Dunstable Downs is a dramatic and much-loved chalk grassland landscape, offering wide open views, rich wildlife and is a local gateway to the Chiltern Hills National Landscape. It attracts a broad range of visitors, from regular visitors building multi‑generational memories to new visitors discovering the Downs for the first time. As a popular site on the edge of urban areas, Dunstable Downs plays a key role as ‘everyone’s greenspace’ while protecting nature and heritage. You’ll support our community‑focused approach, helping to break down barriers to access and ensure people feel more comfortable, confident and inspired by the countryside on their doorstep. Working alongside our team, you’ll contribute to engagement activities, partnerships and experiences that connect diverse audiences with nature in meaningful ways.
What you’ll be doing
Working alongside your mentor on tasks specific to your apprenticeship, you will develop the skills & knowledge relevant to the apprenticeship standard Cultural and Learning Participation Officer Level 3. Your apprenticeship training will be delivered by a Learning Coach, with teaching and learning sessions held online, lots of on‑the‑job learning and support every day in the workplace. You’ll attend regular review meetings and be accountable for your own progression. You’ll be required to complete mandatory e‑learning, courses and training provided.
Who we’re looking for
We would love to hear from you if you meet the following eligibility criteria by the start date of the role:
- A minimum of 5 GCSE’s which must include English and maths at grade C/4, functional skills level 2 or equivalent (If you hold an EHCP, Entry Level 3 in English and maths is acceptable.)
- Aged 16 or over and have completed year 11
- Not in full time education
- Have the right to work in the UK and have been ordinarily resident in the UK for three consecutive years before starting the apprenticeship
- Not currently on any other training or education programme (e.g. another apprenticeship or a degree)
- Able to travel to work location
If you are aged 18 or under at the point of enrolment and have not achieved English and maths at grade C/4, you may be enrolled on functional skills level 2 as part of your apprenticeship. If you have a qualification in the same or a related subject or have lots of relevant work experience this will mean you are not eligible for the apprenticeship.
Once you’ve checked you’re eligible, please use your application to tell us how you demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills and Experience:
- Ready to start your apprenticeship – no experience needed, just bring your enthusiasm
- Positive, curious and up for learning – motivated, open‑minded and keen to grow
- Confident to speak and happy to listen – you help people feel heard and included
- Works well in a team – you are flexible, happy to help and comfortable with adjusting when needed
- Ready to take on the full learning journey – ready to complete all the learning, coursework and final assessments whilst undertaking your job role
- Focused on giving great service – you care about helping others and doing a good job
- Can follow instructions and stay safe – especially when using tools and equipment (we’ll show you how)
- Friendly and respectful – especially when working with volunteers and the wider community
This role will start in September 2026 and runs for 18 months.
The package
The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.
- Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
- Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
- Rental deposit loan scheme
- Season ticket loan
- EV car lease scheme (for roles that meet the salary criteria)
- Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
- Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
- Flexible working whenever possible
- Employee assistance programme
- Free parking at most Trust places
