YCC participants @ the
Mt Barker Wetlands with
vegetation map


YCC team
@ Clealand Wildlife Park


YCC Participants @ Echunga goldfields


YCC participants conducting seed propagation


YCC participant @ Murray Bridge


CC participant @ Monarto Zoo


YCC participant building a fence

YCC participants weeding

South Australia Youth Conservation Corps

WHAT IS Youth Conservation Corps?

Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) is an initiative of the South Australian Government and has been delivered by Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA) since 2003.

YCC is aimed at assisting young people (16 to 24 years old) to gain employment and/or further training by providing them with skills and experience while they participate in projects that contribute to the conservation of South Australia’s natural and cultural heritage.  YCC is a two day per week program that runs for 9 weeks, however participants are encouraged to use the program as a vehicle that they can utilize until they get that all important job.

WHY DO YCC?

YCC is also a great way to gain knowledge and training while you also accumulate skills and experience whilst looking for work. You are encouraged to use the program available as an opportunity to network with the community, local government, local council and park rangers, a great way to set up your career……….

 

Participants will receive the opportunity to achieve:

  • Nationally recognised accredited training
  • Senior First Aid Level II and Occupational Health and Safety Level II
  • Complete Certificate II in Conservation and Land Management
  • A Scholarship to California (USA)
  • Career opportunities through pathways
  • Meet new friends, be a part of a team, work in amazing places…….

During their time on the project, participants will spend 2 days a week for the first four weeks out in the field on various conservation projects throughout SA.  The last five weeks participants will spend 2 days per week for training in modules from Certificate II in Conservation and Land Management and Introductory Vocational Education.

On each project there will be a variety of tasks to be undertaken, ranging from site preparation and monitoring, tree planting, flora and fauna management, bird surveys, trail construction, fencing, seed collection and propagation.

Participants will gain skills in:
  • Restoration/Building training
  • Project management/Data collection
  • Team Leadership Roles / Mentoring
  • Confidence
  • Communication Skills
  • Problem Solving – people, logistics
  • Work Site Organization
  • Networking/Friends

Participants will receive protective clothing, safety boots, sun-safe hat, long sleeved shirt, safety sunglasses gloves and sunscreen for their outdoor work, and also access to designated transportation spots. 

Travel Opportunities

CVA is offering scholarships for YCC participants to travel to California to work on the California Conservation Corps program. If you are interested in applying for a scholarship please complete a scholarship application form available from this site.

Past and Current projects in:
      • Adelaide Hills
      • South East (Mt Gambier Parks and Wildlife)
      • Cleland Wildlife Park
      • Blackhill Conservation Park
      • Echunga Gold Fields
      • Clare & Gilbert Valley
      • Wetland - Adelaide Hills
      • Energy Conservation Audits

Youth Conservation Corps graduates:

 

YCC has been running since 2003 and has graduated over 700 people into both jobs and further training.  Below are some examples of where YCC participants have graduated:

  • Horticulture Traineeships
  • Food & Beverage
  • Trainee Spray Painters
  • Kitchen Hands
  • Bar Work
  • Farm Hands
  • Caring For Disabled
  • Parks & Wildlife
  • NRM Managers
  • Youth Officers
  • Research Officer
  • Tour Guides

It’s easy to get involved simply: