LONDON, Feb. 9 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news:
TheForestry Commissionis recruitingthe next cohortof Development Woodland Officers into theProfessional Forester Apprenticeship programme, alongside introducing a new scheme to support small forestry employers.
National Apprenticeship Week starts today, and these programmes highlight the positive impact that apprenticeships have in developing a skilled workforce for the forestry sector.
Both schemes are designed to support more people to enter careers in forestry, helping the country meet its environmental targets and supporting economic growth.
David Bole,Head of Green Economy and Skillsat the Forestry Commission,says:
Forestry offers meaningful, skilled work in the natural environment.Our support for apprenticeshipsthrough the Sector Skills Plandemonstrates the government's ongoing commitment to developing skilled workers and building a resilient sector - making sure we have the foresters we need, now and in the future.
New schemesupportssmallforestrybusinesses
A newpilot schemewill remove barriers for small forestry businesses,makingit easier for them to access skilled talent and build a resilient workforce.
Non-profit organisation Supplytrain will manage the administrative requirements for Level 3 Forest Craftsperson apprenticeships, including recruitment, HR, payroll and college liaison on behalf of forestry employers.
Thismeanssmall and seasonal forestry businessescantake on apprenticeswithout the administrativeburden. Employers simplypay the apprentice's wages and provide the work.
The package covers mandatory training including chainsaw,pesticideand forestry first aid qualifications, as well astravel and accommodationsupportfor apprentices to attend college. Apprentices canalsobe shared across businesses, so employers are not tied to a full 2-year commitment.
Applicationsopen forgraduate apprentices
8 Development Woodland Officerswillberecruitedinto theProfessional Forester Apprenticeship programme,runinpartnership with the University of Cumbria.
The 3-year, paid development opportunity is open to school leavers, graduates or anyone looking for acareer changeand a rewarding job in the natural environment.
Since the scheme started in 2022,50 apprentices have launched their careers at theForestry Commission,with another 49enteringthe programme from elsewhere in the sector.
Upon completion, successful graduates will earn a Professional Forester Apprenticeship (equivalent to Level 6)anda BSc (Hons) Professional Forester.Theywillalsobe able to apply for Chartered Forester status with the Institute of Chartered Foresters.
Get further information
Find out more about theLevel 3 apprenticesproject on theSupplytrainwebsiteor joinSupplytrain's webinar onTuesday 10 February at 1pm.
Learn more about theProfessional Forester Apprenticeship programme and how to apply. The deadline to apply is 11:55pmSunday1March 2026.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
