Find the ideal professional apprenticeship for you

So, do you know what conservation areas you’re more drawn to yet? Would you rather make the ocean your office, or do you prefer tropical beaches, jungles or savannahs? Would you prefer having lemon sharks as your colleagues, or perhaps rather Asian elephants or panther chameleons? 

You’re in luck. With our professional apprenticeships, you get to choose between a great variety of programs with a specific focus, in different locations across the globe. You’ll be able to match your unique passions and interests with an environmental cause that will have a long-term positive impact on the planet.

Some of our conservation apprenticeship program types include:

• Wildlife conservation apprenticeships
• PADI divemaster and marine conservation apprenticeships
• Coastal conservation apprenticeships
• PADI divemaster and dive shop apprenticeships
• Elephant and wildlife conservation apprenticeships
• PADI instructor apprenticeships

If you’re more interested in programs that focus on empowering communities – GVI also offers a range of social impact professional apprenticeships. These include teaching English with TEFL, educational support, community development and international development programs to prepare you for your purpose-driven career.

And if you’re not entirely sure which one you’d enjoy most, get in touch with our team. They’re experts in professional apprenticeships and would love to answer any questions you might have, and talk you through your different options.

Where in the world can you join a professional apprenticeship?

You can join a professional internship in a variety of incredible locations around the world. GVI has permanent hubs with permanent staff on five different continents for you to choose from. 

From hubs situated within walking distance of pristine beaches to houses in the middle of a rainforest – you’ll get the chance to live and work in remote locations with exclusive access to vulnerable habitats and rare species.

Although all our conservation programs include career support and skills development, the following hubs are fully geared to facilitate our comprehensive professional apprenticeships:

• Kekoldi, Costa Rica
• Puerto Morelos, Mexico
• Mahe, Seychelles
• Ao Nang, Thailand
• Chiang Mai, Thailand
• Dawasamu, Fiji

We also offer community development professional apprenticeships in Costa Rica, Nepal, Fiji, South Africa and Thailand.

Frequently asked questions about professional apprenticeships abroad

Are GVI apprenticeships trade-based?

Although apprenticeships were historically quite trade-based, it has rapidly expanded to also include industries and roles such as project management, data management, business management, conservation, social impact and digital marketing. 

At GVI, our professional apprenticeships offer short-term work opportunities at a conservation organisation where you’ll get to do practical jobs to give you real-world experience.

Top global companies are increasingly offering apprenticeships as they see the benefit of on-the-job learning with hands-on support.

Can I get a job with GVI after my Professional Apprenticeship?

Yes, it’s possible! In fact, many of our international staff team are alumni – previous participants that have completed their professional apprenticeships with GVI. 

This is because our 6-month apprenticeship combines 12 weeks of intensive professional training with a 12 week work placement to apply your new knowledge and skills. As an apprentice, you’ll be thoroughly prepared for a job in sustainability, and will get preferential recruitment for internal GVI vacancies.

What professional training will I receive?

In addition to your apprenticeship program training, you’ll also receive professional training in the following areas: 

• Impact Measurement and Ethics
• Intro to Project Management
• Effective Communication
• Leading Teams for Impact
• Off-Site Safety Management
• Participant Management
• Self Leadership & Well-being
• GVI Policies and Procedures

Who will my work placement be with?

You’ll put your training into practice by completing a 12-week work placement – either with GVI on base, or at an external partner organisation.

Your placement will only be decided during your apprenticeship based on placement availability, your specific career direction, location preferences and skillset.

Please keep in mind that you’ll need to pass your professional training and project work part of the apprenticeship before you’ll get to work for an external project partner. 

How do I select the right apprenticeship for me?

It’s important to select a professional apprenticeship that suits your passions, interests and skills. After all, your apprenticeship could launch you into a specific career direction.

If you’re unsure about selecting your program focus or location, or you’ve got some questions – please submit an enquiry and we’ll get in touch with you.

Will I get paid during my apprenticeship?

Joining a GVI professional apprenticeship is a rare opportunity to get practical experience in the conservation field by working directly for an impactful organisation.

These apprenticeships are not paid. You will however get access to valuable training sessions, supervision, guidance, and individual career mentoring. You’ll also leave with new skills, a career guarantee and a network of contacts in the conservation sector.

What’s included in my program fees?

GVI’s program fees cover all food, accommodation, pre-departure support and materials, training and orientation, 24-hour in-country support, and project equipment.

You’ll also receive pre-program training, GVI online courses (endorsed by the University of Richmond) and the opportunity to work for a conservation partner.

When you complete the fellowship, you’ll also get a LinkedIn reference, get access to a job portal and get preferential recruitment for GVI roles.

What is the duration of professional apprenticeships?

All GVI’s professional apprenticeships are six months – three months of training and project work, and three months of practical work experience with a partner.

Do I need any experience or qualifications?

You don’t need any specific conservation experience, skills or qualifications. GVI’s team will provide you with all the necessary training you need.