What were you doing before you started your apprenticeship?

I was in School

 

What made you want to do your apprenticeship? 

I always had an interest in the outdoors and wild animals.  I attended a weeks work experience with Storas Uibhist game keeping team and I enjoyed it very much as it gave me the opportunity to learn more about game keeping and land management so I knew it was something a wanted a career in.

 

How have you found your apprenticeship so far? 

I have found it very educational and enjoyable at the same time.  The people i work with on a daily basis are very helpful and supportive with each activity i am a part of.  I have attended college on the mainland which has allowed me to see different estates and how they opperate.  

 

What tasks do you complete on an average day?

So far I have been trapping and shooting various pests to support local crofting community primarily by protecting livestock when required.  Trapping is very supportive to our residence wading bird population.  This is usually in the mornings and evenings so during the day I might be involved in boat maintenance as well as general estate maintenance, venison butchery, practical work on Askernish golf course, goose & Rabbit control (Rabbit control can often be evening & night times).  Deer management is a high priority as well so we do spend a fair amount of time reducing cases where deer are marauding into populated areas and follow a plan to ensure the health of the deer herd.

 

What do you hope to do when you finish your apprenticeship? 

I would hope to continue as an full time employee of Storas Uibhist as a gamekeeper but would also hope to gain some further experiences on mainland estates. 

 

What would you say to someone interested in the same apprenticeship?

I would say if they are committed to putting in the work and time to the job they would find it very rewarding as it is good for your physical and mental health supporting people, meeting new people and most of all working with animals in a constant outdoor environment. 

 

Finish this sentence. “my apprenticeship has taught me…”

Various new skills such as hunting, trapping, deer management, the environment and how important it is to look after it.

 

Finish this sentence. “my apprenticeship has given me…”

Opportunity to learn and expand my skill set in an area of great interest to me.  Encouraged me to be more sustainable and try new foods and particularly to make sure I eat what I shoot!  Also i think it has given me more confidence to give my opinions on all work related topics.