Hugo
Science Assistant
Age - 22
Hugo had always been interested in environmental science, but a lack of qualifications and experience limited his opportunities to entry-level conservation jobs.
Through his New to Nature placement, as a Science Assistant at the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, Hugo gained the skills and experience he needed to pursue a career in the environmental sector.
After deferring his university studies due to Covid lockdowns and working in social care to gain practical experience, Hugo felt burnt out and ready for a change. Discovering the Science Assistant position through the New to Nature programme, Hugo realised he wanted to reconnect with his passion for science and shift his career to have more of an environmental focus.
In his role, Hugo contributed to projects like Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping and BeeWalk, a biological recording citizen science initiative. These tasks involved data handling and offered opportunities to learn skills in science communication and volunteer engagement. Despite his lack of experience, Hugo was still able to thrive during his traineeship.
“New to Nature focused on bringing more diversity into the sector, more young people, more neurodivergent people, more people of colour, etc. I do think that that is important because it is something that the sector is lacking. I think it’s only going to be enriched if people are offered that opportunity.”
Throughout the placement Hugo gained a lot of confidence, with support from his employer, his Groundwork employment coach and his peer networking group of other neurodivergent trainees, helping him finish the traineeship feeling capable of building his career in the sector.
Since the programme has ended Hugo has stayed on at the Bumblebee Conservation Trust as a GIS Assistant and has ambitions to continue building his career in GIS roles within the sector.
New to Nature is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund as part of the celebrations to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and the King’s Coronation, delivered through a partnership of Groundwork, The King’s Trust, Disability Rights UK, Mission Diverse and the Youth Environmental Service.
