Nurturing Careers in Nature conservation at the Employment and Skills event

The MBL team, who were invited to have a stand at the event for the first time, were on-hand to answer questions about what it takes to forge a career in the conservation sector. Manx BirdLife Reserve Warden and Education staff shared what inspired them to work in nature conservation, and the qualifications, training, voluntary experience and skills needed to thrive in this crucial sector. From habitat management and wildlife surveys in all weathers; through delivering educational workshops and events to schools and the public; to sharing the ups and downs of nature conservation on social media; a career in conservation is both hard graft and rewarding. The MBL team also highlighted the need for people with talents in ICT, Maths, graphic art, marketing, and photography, which might not necessarily be associated with conservation.

Around 1,400 people attended the event, including over 1,000 Year 10 and 11 students from all DESC High Schools and King William’s College. Students from Key stage 5 World of Work and University College Isle of Man were also given the chance to chat to professionals about their dream jobs, or to seek out a spark of interest in work areas, such as conservation, that they might not have considered. Members of the public, at varying stages in their career journeys, also spoke to employers; showing a career path is never set in stone and one can experience twists and turns in interests and goals at any stage of life.

Manx BirdLife were proud to promote and inspire people of all ages to embark on careers in nature conservation. Nurturing the next generation of nature conservatists and educators is vital if society is to reverse local and global declines in bird and other species; mitigate impacts of climate change; and improve mental health and wellbeing through connection with nature.