Training Scheme for Machine Operators now open

Partners across Peatland ACTION have highlighted the shortage of machine operators skilled and experienced in peatland restoration as being a significant constraint on the delivery of restoration projects. 

With an increase year-on-year in restoration being funded, the skills shortage risks being a potential limiting factor in addressing degraded peatland. As the pace of delivery of peatland restoration increases, the need to find new ways to creatively address this issue becomes more pressing. 

Stakeholders have highlighted the need for training and mentoring to provide on-the-job experience, given the nature of the work in highly sensitive, wetland environments and the specialist nature of the technical skills required. 

NatureScot are offering funding to employers to offset some of the costs of training machine operators during their initial learning phase, this short-term funding aims to increase the number of new entrants being brought into the sector. 

The potential for restoration of peatland in Scotland is significant.  Effective restoration which aims to restore the hydrology of the peatland and provide benefits to nature as well as climate requires skilled people.  In order to build these skills across Scotland, the Peatland ACTION partners directly provide or support various initiatives.  

NatureScot will offer funding to relevant organisations and businesses to provide work-based, learner-focused training and mentoring of 6 weeks in duration.   The scheme is limited to 10 training placements.  Funding will be offered to those who are best able to demonstrate the provision of a good quality training experience and willingness / intention to assist the mentee to enter or develop their skills in the industry at the conclusion of the training period.

Subject to the consent of landowner and project manager, an applicant business may choose to train the new entrant across one of more sites funded by any Peatland ACTION delivery partner. 

Any business or organisation working (or expecting to work in this financial year) on a Peatland ACTION funded project and which is able to provide a good quality training placement is welcome to apply. 

Closing date for applications is 11:59 on 2 August 2024 

Successful applicants will be notified in the week ending Friday 9th August 2024 allowing recruitment to begin immediately. 

Find out more including how to apply at Peatland ACTION - Peatland Restoration Training Scheme – Machine Operator | NatureScot