Groen Sebenza Phase II- Internship and Mentorship Programme

Location:
Sedgefield

Year:
2023 to 2024

Summary:

The Groen Sebenza Programme is a bridging into work programme run by SANBI for a period of two years. It aims to recruit unemployed graduates and place them in different organisations across the country where they will be trained and mentored to further develop their competence in the biodiversity sector.

Rachel and Stefan were placed at Apex Conservation Services in Sedgefield, under the guidance and mentorship of the owner and director, Bruce Taplin. The interns have worked on several projects; including nature-based solutions and carbon offset projects, landscape and thicket restoration projects, as well as alien invasive plant monitoring projects. While part of Apex, they are broadening their ecological knowledge and developing their environmental assessment and monitoring skills. They have gained first-hand, practical experience in all aspects involved in project management, and are improving their skills in financial and supply chain management, stakeholder engagement, report writing and undertaking field work.

As a result of this internship, Rachel and Stefan have developed a range of practical and technical skills, as well increased their theoretical knowledge of a variety of ecological systems and processes. They have made good progress under the guidance provided to them by Apex Conservation Services, while contributing positively to the company.