Hosted by People & Parks Foundation and coordinated by MAX Employment - Box Hill, 20 young people, called Caitlin’s Park Rangers, will learn theory and practical skills and will be set to attain a Certificate II in Conservation and Land Management at the end of their 26 week placement as part of our National Green Jobs Corps program. The course appeals to young men and women who looking for employment in the open air, away from an office or shop environment.

National Green Jobs Corps signifies a $79.6 million dollar investment over two years in young Australian job seekers. The 26-week environmental training program offers young people, aged 17 to 24 years, the right combination of work experience, skill development and accredited training to ensure they are ready for employment in emerging green and climate change industries.

National Green Jobs Corps commenced on 1 January 2010. The projects offered are team based activities developed in conjunction with local communities and groups, representatives from the environment and climate change sector, local government and relevant training providers. Participants are given the opportunity to participate in hands-on work experience activities and accredited training. National Green Jobs Corps providers are delivering a broad range of environmentally focused projects to equip 10 000 young Australians with green skills and training.

People & Parks Foundation launched the NGJC program on August 9th 2010.

The name of the group of students, Caitlin's Park Rangers, came about because it operates the practical side of the course out of Caitlin’s Retreat, a wellness centre that harnesses the known health benefits of the natural environment to help promote the health and wellbeing of young people with special needs, their parents, carers and siblings. It is a place where families of special needs children can stay for a few days and enjoy the peaceful bush setting.

Caitlin’s Parks Rangers have already undertaken valuable rehabilitation works on the property, and will design and replant certain areas with local indigenous species that will not only tolerate local conditions but provide valuable habitat and food for local fauna. It’s a community-based program and it is a win-win situation for the young people, the community and the environment in respect with the work they will be undertaking. In conjunction with on ground conservation works at Caitlin’s Retreat, Parks Victoria is also assisting with training Caitlin’s Park Rangers. The students will work on a revegetation project in Warrandyte State Park with the aim of supporting and building up the koala population. During their training the students will also assist with wildlife counts and surveys.

The enthusiasm these young people bring to the property each day is outstanding. Caitlin’s Retreat sits within an environment which possesses significant flora and fauna, and the work they are undertaking is incredibly valuable; to both the environment but also to People & Parks Foundation.

Stay tuned for regular updates.