Myerscough College Gives Student a Greener Future

A mature student who came to Myerscough College hoping for a career change has successfully gained employment in the environment industry.

Chris Gaughan, aged 28, decided to pursue his dream of working in the outdoors as a countryside ranger after working in textiles for 10 years. Chris came on the Foundation Degree (FdSc) in Ecology and Conservation Management after undertaking voluntary work but struggling to find a full-time position. He said:

“I did part-time voluntary work for Lancashire Wildlife Trust and the council for 4 years before starting this course and had applied for full-time work, but although I had lots of practical experience I didn’t have any relevant qualifications. That’s when I found out about this course and decided to come to Myerscough to gain a recognised qualification to back up my experience.”

During the course, Chris gained employment with Lancashire County Council as a Seasonal Countryside Ranger for 6 months, and has recently secured a full-time post with them. This will involve working at Beacon Fell and other countryside parks across Lancashire.

Chris added:
“The course has given me the knowledge and skills I need to apply to jobs in the environment industry. The campus is lovely and perfect to study this kind of subject and the lecturers are friendly and approachable.”

Jeff Simpkin, a Lecturer in Ecology and Conservation Management at Myerscough College said: “This course is aimed at students like Chris who need a mix of practical experience, identification skills and academic knowledge if they are to succeed in the conservation sector. Chris has worked really hard on the course and we wish him all the best for the future in his chosen career.”

The FdSc Ecology and Conservation Management is a 3 year part-time course specialising in habitats management, species identification and ecological survey skills. It will also be available on a 2-year full-time basis for September 2008. Many graduates have gone onto successful careers in the environment industry, in jobs such as Conservation Officers, Ecologists and Countryside Rangers for local authorities and other organisations such as Natural England, the Environment Agency and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.

For more information about the FdSc Ecology and Conservation Management at Myerscough College, please contact Course Enquiries on 01995 642211 or email enquiries@myerscough.ac.uk