The workplace: the apprentices' duties will include maintaining the Lake District's rights of way and access land

A national park is recruiting two apprentice rangers for its service.

The full-time, fixed-term posts are open to anyone with an aptitude or interest in learning the skills necessary to carry out work in the outdoors.

The practical work on projects such as dealing with drainage and erosion on paths, maintaining and building fences and stiles and maintaining rights of way and open access land, will be supported by a day-release course leading to a level-two diploma in environmental conservation.

The Lake District National Park Authority said the two successful applicants will be based either at Ambleside or Threlkeld and will be paid a minimum of £120 a week under the Government-supported apprenticeship scheme.

The appointments are for a fixed 18-month period and applications must be submitted by 10 February. The recruitments coincide with National Apprenticeship Week, which runs from 6 to 10 February.

Authority human resources officer Katie Eastham said: “This is a rare opportunity to train to participate in practical work in the national park.

“A key aspect of the role will be to support and carry out work to maintain and improve our public rights of way network, carry out the practical elements of installing gates and stiles, woodland management and dealing with erosion problems within the national park.”

She said anyone can apply, especially candidates who can show experience or interest in learning about field estate work, drystone walling, fencing and footpath repairing, team working and communicating effectively.

Details and an application form are on the Lake District national park website.