Cornwall Marine Network has provided a number of opportunities to people across Cornwall. We hear from marine conservation apprentice Lauren Brenton-Crabb, and marine ambassador Meg Hayward-Smith on how CMN has supported them...
Lauren
Lauren Brenton-Crabb has recently undertaken a Marine Conservation Apprenticeship with Cornwall Wildlife Trust. In this role, Lauren has supported the Marine Team with a variety of projects, including Seaquest Southwest, Shoresearch Cornwall, The Marine Strandings Network and The Your Shore Network, by carrying out general administration tasks and supporting the team in planning and delivering different events/activities.
Before the apprenticeship, Lauren volunteered on Looe Island, where she was able to experience first-hand the important work the marine team carries out there. Having grown up in Cornwall, Lauren realised that a career in the conservation sector - and particularly the marine sector -might be the perfect path for her to take.
She said: “I was looking to become more confident in myself and what I can achieve. Once I had completed my degree, I knew I still wanted to do something educational, however I needed a break from university and so a masters or PGCE was not an option. Once I saw this advertised, I knew I had to go for it. I knew a mix of working and studying would really benefit me. It really provides you with so many useful skills whilst getting a qualification and getting paid!”
Amongst other things, Lauren has gained core transferable skills such as strong analytical and problem-solving attributes, improved interpersonal and communication skills and proficiency in project management. She added: “The skills you gain from the apprenticeship are extremely useful and will definitely help you stand out in future job applications; this is also the case due to CMN offering some training opportunities for anything you want to gain experience in. For me, I did an Excel Intermediate course as data entry and sorting were a key part of my apprenticeship.”
For those considering an apprenticeship, Lauren said: “Give it a go! Everything is worth that application and your shot at doing well – university isn’t for everyone, and apprenticeships are a great way to gain a qualification whilst working with an organisation that appeals to you."
Meg
Often, young people looking for jobs and/or training are not aware of the opportunities the local Marine sector has to offer, but Cornwall Marine Network’s Marine Ambassadors are helping to enlighten youngsters who are looking for information on the marine sector. Meg Hayward-Smith is one such ambassador...
Meg is the founder of Falmouth Marine Conservation (FMC). She started the organisation in 2016 while studying marine biology at Falmouth Marine School, as she struggled to find a local marine conservation group to volunteer with.
With her passion for the ocean and its inhabitants, Meg came up with the idea to start her own marine group in her own town, knowing that there would be other like-minded people in and around Falmouth.
Meg said: “Don’t be afraid to reach out to organisations – just because they don’t advertise internships or volunteering opportunities, it doesn’t mean they might not be able to provide it. Try to get experience with as many different organisations as possible in order to get a foot in the door, and remember ‘experience’ doesn’t necessarily mean a paid job – volunteering and being really passionate is just as valuable. Volunteer, volunteer, volunteer! If you can’t find a volunteer organisation in your area or work that you want to go into, then create it, cultivate that community and the rest will follow.”
If you would like to find out more about how Cornwall Marine Network can support you, whether you're interested in an apprenticeship in the marine sector,or would like some training to boost your marine business, visit cornwallmarine.net
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