Cairngorms National Park take on new starts through Kickstart scheme
It's claimed the UK government initiative is seeing a slow take-up, but the park have been able to recruit four new rangers through it
Last updated 30th Jul 2021
Four young adults have been taken on as Rangers at the Cairngorm National Park through a government scheme.
The new recruits have been given a start in the career through the Kickstart initiative, which was criticised earlier this week due to claims of a slow take -up.
However, the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) has been able to employ four Rangers this year, aged between 18-24, via the programme.
Extra "admin" potentially putting young people off
New addition Danny O’Brien, from the Black Isle, says his love of the outdoors was a huge factor in getting the job.
He said: "Since a young age I’ve always been interested in wildlife and I’ve been very lucky in that my parents used to take me out to the hills and forests across the Highlands to look for interesting wildlife.
“Having an interest in the environment has helped me get the kickstart position in the first place, because the rangers were so impressed with my enthusiasm towards the great outdoors."
Danny, who previously worked in currency trading, also explained why he feels young adults may not be signing up to the Kickstart programme.
He added: "It was a really good opportunity to get out of my previous job which I hated doing.
"The kick start campaign is just a fantastic way to get into a more enjoyable career.
“It could be due to needing to sign up to universal credit before being able to apply to the job, and the extra bit of admin was scaring people off.
“It is well worth the extra bit of administration you have to get through to the job, they’re not looking for good qualifications, they just want enthusiastic people."
Starting their ranger training back in the Spring, the quartet have been learning a wide variety of new skills, learning from very experienced Park rangers such as Polly Freeman.
She said: “It is great to be working with Max, Conor, Danny and Scott – they are really enthusiastic and all the ranger team here at the Cairngorms National Park are delighted to be able to help these young people get a start in this type of career."