Principal Learning in Environmental and Land-based Studies
within the Welsh Baccalaureate
Career Progression in the Environmental Industries
The Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma leading to
Higher Education leading and Employment
A career in Environmental Conservation
Example – Ecologist
Ecologists study the complex and delicate relationship between animals, plants, people and their
physical surroundings, commonly referred to as an ecosystem or the environment. The job is
interesting and varied and requires a wide range of different skills.
An Ecologist should:
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have a good working knowledge of UK flora and fauna
be able to identify different species
understand how human activities interact with and affect ecological systems
have good observation and analytical skills
be able to work well alone and as part of a team
have a good awareness of health and safety issues
have excellent communication skills
A wide variety of jobs exist across the UK in a range of organisations. Employment opportunities can be
found within many different organisations including government and statutory bodies, industrial
companies, private consultancies, conservation charities, universities and colleges and commercial and
government research institutes.
For information on the skills gaps and shortages of the current workforce and factsheets on individual
industries within the environmental and land-based sector, including environmental conservation please
visit: www.lantra.co.uk/skills-assessment. The minimum qualification for an ecologist is usually a first
degree in a biological or environmental subject. By studying the Principal Learning in Environmental
and Land-based Studies students will be able to follow their interests and prepare for higher education.
There are also other job roles within environmental conservation and information on these can be
found at www.lantra.co.uk/careers.
Principal Learning in Environmental and Land-based Studies within the Welsh Baccalaureate October 2010
Why choose the Principal Learning in Environmental and Land-based Studies for entry into
environmental conservation?
What makes the Principal Learning different from the traditional ‘A’ level route is that it is not purely a
classroom based course. Students get out and about and learn from different employer
businesses/organisations who understand what the next workforce generation needs to know.
Consequently students take up to date, real world knowledge directly into higher education and the
workplace. This is achieved through employers being actively involved with the Principal Learning in a
number of different ways, for example:
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Work Shadowing
Industry Days
Visits
Mentoring
Questions and Answers Sessions
Work Experience
For further information on employer engagement visit – www.lantra.co.uk/welsh-bac
The Extended Project Qualification
A student interested in a career in environmental conservation such as an Ecologist would perhaps
choose a project related to the ‘distribution of plants and animals’. One example might be to study the
impact of grassland management (cutting, fertilisers or pollution) on the distribution of wild flowers. In
order to meet project objectives students need to:
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manage the project
use resources/undertake research as appropriate to the topic
develop the project to achieve the planned outcome
collect data and produce a report
review the project outcomes including own learning and performance
Students need to show they can plan, deliver and present a piece of work.
Further Progression
A career as an Ecologist is a rapidly changing one and there is a constant requirement to keep up to
date with new legislation and different ecological techniques and methods. There is opportunity for
membership of a professional body such as the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management
(IEEM).
Universities offer a variety of taught and research-based postgraduate courses relating to ecology.
In most large organisations ecologists have the opportunity to progress to senior and principal level.
Principal Learning in Environmental and Land-based Studies within the Welsh Baccalaureate October 2010