TAFE NSW Hunter Institute

Conservation at TAFE

Article Date: 2/12/2011
 
Hunter TAFE’s Belmont Campus has been involved in training more than fifty Conservation Volunteer Australia (CVA) students during the past 12 months.

The exciting new project, introduced this year, formed part of the National Green Jobs Corps, a Federal Government initiative. Students will graduate from the course with a Certificate II in Conservation and Land Management.

Hunter TAFE Conservation Teacher, Benjie Williams, said the program was designed to up skill individuals in native plant and animal identification and provide them with key practical techniques to help protect the environment.

“Individuals who participate in the course gain an in-depth appreciation for the environment and discover ways they can help strengthen it,” said Mr Williams.

“Students want to know what they can do to protect the environment and through the delivery of this course we can help them identify ways to do this,” said Mr Williams.

“The training gives the participants a real sense of purpose and helps them gain valuable workplace skills including responsibilities and working in a team environment,” Mr Williams said.

Based at Belmont Campus, the course has evolved from Bush Regeneration to Conservation and Land Management providing participants with the opportunity to be involved with wildlife surveys, land management and rehabilitation, mining revegetation and nursery work.

Graduates can also pursue further education in botany, soil science and water management.