Community and Participation Apprentice Blog Post
- Published:
- 28 January 2025
We asked our Community and Participation Apprentice Kitty a few questions about what it is like to be an apprentice with the National Trust, working on the Changing Chalk Project.
Hello Kitty! Can you tell us a bit about your career journey so far and how you came to be the Community and Participation Apprentice on the Changing Chalk project?
A bit tired of writing essays and unsure of a career path that I wanted to follow, I decided not to pursue the university route after leaving college, wanting to gain some practical work experience instead. And I very much did! I tried my hand at around 6 different roles in an assortment of fields, but after 7 years of giving things a go, I felt no closer at knowing what I wanted to do.
What I do know is that I’m my happiest when I’m outdoors, in places where I can enjoy nature. I’ve grown up in Brighton, and have grown up feeling incredibly lucky to have the coast on my doorstep and South Downs over my shoulder. If anything, in recent years I’ve come to appreciate this even more, always looking forward to a chance to get out and see some greenery.
The idea of working for the National Trust felt like an opportunity to give back to the places that give me so much joy, whilst also helping to protect them for others to experience. Knowing that the work I’d be doing as Community and Participation Apprentice for Changing Chalk would contribute to something bigger—something that inspires, connects, and benefits nature and communities— was incredibly motivating, so I wasted no time and applied straight away!
Can you tell us a bit about your work and describe a typical day, or is there even a typical day?
There’s no such thing as a typical day in my role, as the work is so varied and ever-changing! We’re always looking ahead to the next project or event, and my day-to-day tasks depend on where we are in that process.
Some days might involve creative planning, attending meetings to discuss ideas, or working on logistics like creating schedules, contacting partners, creating risk assessments or organising resources. On other days, I might be out visiting sites to prepare for upcoming activities, supporting activities leads on volunteer days or engaging directly with community groups or our volunteers to share opportunities and gather input.
When it comes to events, I’m involved in every step of the process, which has been so fantastic for my learning—from those first planning sessions and behind-the-scenes preparations to being present on the day to ensure everything runs smoothly. Seeing a project evolve from an initial idea to a finished event is incredibly rewarding, and no two projects or events are ever the same. This variety keeps the role exciting, challenging, and full of new opportunities.
What has been your most fulfilling and successful project or piece of work so far, and what do you feel you have learned from it?
One of the most fulfilling and successful projects I’ve been part of so far was Wild Camp, back in June last year. It was an incredible experience to help plan and run this event working with disability advocacy groups Stay Up Late and Gig Buddies, where around 16 participants and volunteers came together to camp in the beautiful countryside near Alfriston.
Over the two days, we offered a variety of outdoor activities, including nature walks, moth trapping, campfire cooking, arts and crafts, and even a silent disco (a fave!). It was wonderful to see so many smiles over the weekend and the sense of community these activities brought to everyone involved.
Working on Wild Camp taught me the value of creating inclusive and accessible outdoor experiences that cater to people of all abilities and backgrounds. Seeing everyone get together to connect with nature, relax and have fun was everything we could have wished for the event and more – the sun even came out for us! It really reinforced how outdoor events like this can bring people closer to the countryside as well as each other.
The highlight for me was watching everyone try new things, whether it was holding a moth for the first time or sharing stories around the campfire. It’s working on projects like Wild Camp that have made this role so special - it’s been so much more than event planning, but creating meaningful moments that stay with people long after the event is over.
Have you benefitted from working on the project and got to know more about the landscape and communities that live here? Tell us how.
Absolutely. This role has really brought me closer to the landscape around me and the communities that call it home. I’ve explored parts of the Downs I hadn’t visited before and learned so much that’s been new to me.
Spending time with the ranger team has been the most incredible learning experience. I’ve gained the ability to identify so many new downland species, from wildflowers to birds to reptiles and amphibians. I find myself being so much more aware of the intricacies and details of the landscape and its ecosystems - the interconnectedness of everything, no matter how small, is truly awe inspiring and has made me appreciate more than ever just how special the natural world around us is.
Connecting with local communities has been just as rewarding. Hearing how different groups and individuals connect with nature has also been incredibly inspiring and moving. People’s personal stories, whether about childhood memories on the Downs or the solace they find in the landscape today, have given me a new perspective on its importance. Learning about the culture and heritage of the Downs, and just how long people’s history goes back has made my own experience of the area so much richer and more meaningful. Walking trails and paths that have been trodden for thousands of years really gives them a special depth and significance
Have there been any highs or lows? What would you have changed if you could?
There have been plenty of challenges for me as Community and Participation Apprentice for Changing Chalk, one of the biggest challenges being the sheer diversity of the role—but it’s also one of the things I’ve enjoyed the most. No two days are ever the same, and that variety has pushed me to constantly adapt and learn.
One day I might be on the Downs at a youth volunteering session that I’ve organised, and the next, I might be planning events or sharing our work and opportunities in the community. It’s been a steep learning curve to juggle such different tasks, but the variety keeps me constantly motivated and excited for what’s next.
This role has taught me to be flexible, resourceful, and open to whatever comes next, and I have gained so many vital new skills that I am sure that I will be using for the rest of my career – wherever that leads me! I wouldn’t change a thing!
Is there any advice that you would give to others who hope to follow the same career path as you?
If you’re even thinking about it, go for it! An apprenticeship is an incredible opportunity to earn, learn, and grow, but for me, this apprenticeship has been about more than just gaining skills—it’s been about working in places I love with people who inspire me.
Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, or to go into something completely new to you—every challenge is a chance to grow, and you’ll always have support along the way. If your passionate about what you want to pursue with an apprenticeship, you have everything that you need to go for it already.
Doing an apprenticeship with Changing Chalk and the National Trust has been an overwhelmingly positive journey. The experience has made a lasting impression on me, I’ve made memories for a lifetime and have found a direction that I want to follow for the rest of my career.
Where do you see your career going next, and what skills do you feel you have learned from this project that you can take into your future career?
If possible, I’d love to stay working with the National Trust after my placement ends! I want to build a career that continues to connect people with the outdoors and helps protect the places I love, and my role has given me such a strong foundation for that. I’ve gained hands-on experience in community engagement, practical countryside skills, and project planning - all skills of which I know will be invaluable to me moving forward.
Most importantly, this apprenticeship has shown me the power of working with others to create positive change. I’ve seen firsthand how much we can achieve when working together, and I hope to carry that spirit and confidence into whatever I do next.
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