Thomson Ecology has been running its highly regarded Graduate Training and Experience Programme since 2007.
The scheme gives new graduates a chance to work alongside senior technical staff for a full field season, and participate in training courses on all areas of the business. The successful applicants learn industry-standard survey and mitigation techniques for a range of species and habitats, as well as advanced skills in consulting and report writing.
The graduates receive a salary during the programme, and at the end of the period, the best performers are offered a permanent position. In some years this has been the whole group.
Due to having a record number of applicants in 2014, this year it was a requirement to have a relevant master’s degree. The successful applicants had master’s degrees in applied ecology, biodiversity and conservation, and environmental assessment and management, among others.
130 candidates applied, 35 of which were interviewed. This resulted in the appointment of ten people, who started the programme this week. They have got stuck into their first of two weeks of concentrated presentations and practical exercises.
