Fifteen new graduate jobs have been created by Thomson Ecology in Guildford this year as part of their successful graduate trainee programme. Thomson Ecology, the UK’s leading independent ecology specialist, has been running the programme for the last six years. The scheme, which is always heavily over-subscribed, has so far created employment for more than 60 trainees within the company.
One of those is Xenia Snowman who moved to Guildford to take part in this year’s programme.
She said:
“After finishing my degree in wildlife conservation, I worked for the Bat Conservation Trust to gain experience in the field. I applied for Thomson’s graduate trainee scheme because I knew I wanted to pursue a career in ecology and specialise in bat conservation as well as learn more about other protected species.
“The three month programme is very practical and really varied. I was able to spend a lot of time out on site working on a huge range of techniques, like checking ponds for great crested newts, woodland for signs of dormice, and monitoring bat activity at dusk and dawn.
“After three months, my progress was reviewed and I was taken on as an Assistant Ecologist. The work here is really interesting and varied. I’m out and about at all hours working with a range of species from bats to reptiles. There is never a dull moment!”
“Ultimately I want to develop my specialism in bats, acquire my bat licence, which I am working towards, and advise on their protection. Working at Thomson Ecology has allowed me to build up my knowledge and experience, not only with bats, but a whole range of other species and habitats, and I love the work I do.”
Richard Arnold, Technical Director, responsible for all the training at Thomson Ecology, said:
“Since we began our programme in 2007, it has gone from strength to strength and we have seen over 70 young men and women come through the scheme. The majority go on to full employment with us and we have some senior people in the organisation who began their working life here as graduate trainees. For Thomson as an organisation, it is a wonderful way to be able to pick the best talent that there is out there and to help launch so many people’s careers.
“We specialise in both marine and terrestrial ecology, so our trainees can choose the path that most interests them.”
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Notes to editors
1. Thomson Ecology is the UK’s leading independent ecology specialist* and has five offices across the country with its head office based in Guildford Surrey. It provides specialist ecological consulting and contracting services for terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments.
* Environment Analyst sector report 2010-2012
