Predator Free Apprentices hit the ground running
Introducing our two Predator Free Apprentices — Kim Miller and Jenilee Hill.
Kim and Jenilee will be working with the Halo Project and Predator Free Peninsula and will also be working alongside City Sanctuary.
They are part of the Predator Free New Zealand Trust Apprenticeship Programme, which aims to train more predator control specialists and provide the experience they need to get stuck in to the predator free vision.
The two-year programme provides on-the-ground training for people who want a career in predator control. The roles are funded by the Department of Conservation’s Kaimahi for Nature (Jobs for Nature) fund and allow apprentices to “walk alongside” experienced predator control specialists to help foster a passion for the work whilst providing practical experience using a range of predator control tools, techniques and projects.
Last week, they both attended a Predator Free New Zealand workshop for apprentices in Wellington — taking along some of our more experienced staff. They heard inspiring talks from people like Tawera Nikau, Lou Sanson, and people working in the industry — learning new ideas to put into practice.
Predator Free New Zealand Apprentices at a recent hui in Wellington. Photo by the Predator Free New Zealand Trust.
“We've learned some new techniques and approaches which we're excited to implement into our projects, as well as encouraging and sharing ideas to each other to further our journeys in predator control. This is such an exciting opportunity, especially for the new apprentices to learn more about the field we're lucky to be working in!” says Jenilee.
Kim Miller (left) and Jenilee Hill (right).
Kim Miller
Kim picked up his love for conservation at a young age, leading to study wildlife management, zoology and ecology at the University of Otago. He’s stoked to be working towards the predator free vision in the place he now calls home!
Jenilee Hill
Jenilee has always had a passion for wildlife, and decided to turn this into a career. Before joining the Predator Free Dunedin team, she completed a degree in zoology at the University of Otago.
Her role will be focused on helping to eradicate possums from the Otago Peninsula, as well as working with volunteers and other community groups in Dunedin.
We’re thrilled to have both Kim and Jenilee on the team and grateful to the Predator Free New Zealand Trust for arranging for us to host them over the next 2 years!