Predator Free Apprentice Programme

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The programme, funded by the DOC Kaimahi for Nature fund, is a ‘walk alongside’ programme where apprentices are hosted by experienced pest control specialists. The goal is to help foster a passion for the work, and the species it protects and provide practical experience with a range of predator control tools, techniques and projects.

Apprentices will complete the NZQA Certificate in Pest Operations (Level 3) and other relevant industry qualifications. They will also provide local on-the-ground support to conservation community groups, landowners, and other projects.

MBC Environmental apprentice guiding pilot to a landing site on the West Coast. Photo MBC Environmental.
A predator free apprentice guiding a pilot to a landing site on the West Coast. Image credit: MBC Environmental.
A group standing in an open field
Team meeting. Image credit: EPRO

The Predator Free NZ vision requires skilled practitioners to help projects achieve their goals of predator control and eventually eradication. However, there are currently a limited number of experienced predator control specialists around the country and no clear career path for people wanting to get involved in the sector.