We champion workforce development through Conservation and Ecosystem Management (CAEM) paid traineeships which support jobseekers in building environmental restoration careers. These programs also assist landholders, government agencies and local charities in addressing ecological challenges while fostering participant well-being and inclusivity.

Our CAEM programs, which have been run in partnership with the Queensland Government since 2015, under initiatives such as Skilling Queenslanders for Work, offer participants the opportunity to learn first hand the on-ground skills required to deliver conservation and ecosystem management projects, through tasks such as nursery work, plantings, flora identification workshops, manual and chemical weed management and revegetation maintenance.

Not only are participants exposed to working in the natural environment (often for the first time), but they also complete the theory work required to gain a VET Certificate I or III qualification plus receive accreditations for Agricultural Chemicals Distribution Control (ACDC), a Construction White Card and Chainsaw Levels.

The program is an excellent pathway to the conservation industry, assisting participants to build the connections and skills to pursue career outcomes such as:

• Bush regenerator
• Landscaping
• Horticulture
• Landcare
• Land management
• Agriculture
• Tree planting
• Park Ranger (entry level)

Traineeships are generally full time over 6 months (Certificate I) or 12 months (Certificate III). Our trainee supervisors are highly qualified and passionate team members, who are driven to educate and inspire. We offer high levels of support for all our trainees including a number of wrap around services.

During their time with us, a trainee will get to enjoy a range of conservation experiences such as:

• Carrying out land restoration in the field and working with different vegetation types around the region
• Learning from the local council, Qld Parks & Wildlife rangers, botanists, ecologists, land care workers and more industry professionals
• Field trips to ecological centres & reserves plus plant identification bushwalks
• Learning horticulture/nursery work in conjunction with local community nurseries
• Assisting our community engagement team with water testing, macroinvertebrate surveys and school visits
• Resume drafting and job seeking guidance, mentoring opportunities, industry work placements and personal development.

Our traineeships are proudly funded by the Queensland Government through its Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative and are also supported by our South Maroochy Rivercare program, in partnership with Seqwater.