work experience
- Thread starter Ralph
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When i were a wee lad, my work experience was with the local Countryside Warden.
Trouble was, he tried (and failed!!!) to commit suicide with his chainsaw a fortnight before the placement was to happen, so they didn't think it a good idea for me to go. Ended up staying at school with a couple of others instead....
Trouble was, he tried (and failed!!!) to commit suicide with his chainsaw a fortnight before the placement was to happen, so they didn't think it a good idea for me to go. Ended up staying at school with a couple of others instead....
All things considered it could have been excellent for your present occupation!Spacemonkey said:
Hello Ralph. I have a programme of work experience for 15 year olds linked with 6 local schools. Most is forest related. The most important thing that I was advised was this; One boy is a boy, two boys is half a boy and three boys is no boys at all! On that note, I have stuck to one student per session. I can honestly say that this is probably the MOST intense part of my work programme imaginable for the ten days that they are with me. But the rewards seem to be high. Within the woods there is always a job to be done and as we can not use tractors or power tools the focus is on simple and,I hope, rewarding tasks. I use knives saws axes etc and do fire lighting,tree id along with end product ideas also a little gate making and fencing to get the woodwork skills on form,in particular being accurate with a hammer ensures that you are more accurate with your axe! The work is seasonal but I try and keep the same theme re fires tree id and tool use. If they are into sh..ting g.ns we can do a little of that too. I have only had one parent question the merits of pruning saying 'If I want my son to do gardening I would have sent him to a garden centre or got him to work at home' When I explained this was formative tree work He still was not convinced! His son had a good time though and got on well with the underkeeper so much that he came beating for the rest of the season.
Ralph all I can suggest is try and get with a forest gang (endangered species) or contact your local National Trust office. Perhaps there is a local Estate (as in landowner) . Or finally try The Royal Forestry Society and they may be able to help.
The work really makes me think, and also realise how little you know when aged 15(no disrespect Ralph). Important too, realising that the gap between town and country is very wide
Any lads, or for that matter, lasses out there wanting to do work experience in this field, please don't be shy. We enjoy your company and watching you learn and although you may get wet at least you are outside and learning to work within the English countryside and as far as I am concerned learning a small part very good apprenticeship.
Swyn
I am sorry to hear of your experience spacemonkey, although you have diversified!!!
Ralph all I can suggest is try and get with a forest gang (endangered species) or contact your local National Trust office. Perhaps there is a local Estate (as in landowner) . Or finally try The Royal Forestry Society and they may be able to help.
The work really makes me think, and also realise how little you know when aged 15(no disrespect Ralph). Important too, realising that the gap between town and country is very wide
Any lads, or for that matter, lasses out there wanting to do work experience in this field, please don't be shy. We enjoy your company and watching you learn and although you may get wet at least you are outside and learning to work within the English countryside and as far as I am concerned learning a small part very good apprenticeship.
SwynI am sorry to hear of your experience spacemonkey, although you have diversified!!!
I did some work experience with the National Trust, I can highly recommend it. Got to learn about tree/fungi/mammal/insect identification, took part in woodland surveys and did a lot of hard graft in woodland management. Just contact your nearest office and ask to volunteer with the warden for the area.
swyn said:Hello Ralph. I have a programme of work experience for 15 year olds linked with 6 local schools. Most is forest related. The most important thing that I was advised was this; One boy is a boy, two boys is half a boy and three boys is no boys at all! ....
...The work really makes me think, and also realise how little you know when aged 15(no disrespect Ralph). Important too, realising that the gap between town and country is very wide
.
I am sorry to hear of your experience spacemonkey, although you have diversified!!!
Very interesting, and apt, observation.
I do know when I was 15, and working in the woods, we were paid by the piece, and if we wanted to make any money, we had to move.
PG
