Senior Landscape Manager James Cooper recently invited six students from Sheffield Hallam University to join him for ‘A Day in the Life of” – an interactive taster day where they had the opportunity to learn about and mirror some ‘real life’ projects.
The first of the projects they were introduced to was the River Irwell Project, which focused on Natural Capital and Ecosystems Services. The students learned how TEP developed an integrated Ecosystem Service Mapping Tool, as part of their Natural Course project and the role the Land Management Team played. Associate Director Mike Hodgkinson (Project Lead) provided a detailed insight into the fundamental role GIS in particular played during the delivery of the project and how it directly links to the student’s ongoing learning as part of their course.
The afternoon involved being taught to use the Green Flag Award criteria and carrying out a mock assessment of Risley Moss, a Local Nature Reserve. This gave the students the opportunity to use their survey and evaluation skills, to arrive at an informed and educated assessment of the site and then be able to compare their results with those of the actual assessment, carried out by our own Landscape Managers.
Interactive taster days are essential for students to experience what their chosen industry has to offer and give them access to practicing professionals. They also provide an enhanced learning experience to aid with their studies and gear them up for life after university. One student quoted: “It was great to learn about the variety of services provided & discover what makes TEP so unique. I left feeling inspired & motivated!”
Working with schools and universities to offer young people opportunities and furthering the profession is important to TEP – follow us on social media or contact tep@tep.uk.com to learn more about any future opportunities you could get involved with.
