TDUK SupplyingTimber Issue 8 DIGITAL - Magazine - Page 8
All the latest news and updates from across the timber supply chain
INDUSTRY NEWS
Apprenticeship programme o昀昀ers
new pathway into forestry
The next generation of
country, including in rural
昀椀nding a vocation looking
foresters can now begin
areas, is a crucial part of the
after our trees, woods and
an apprenticeship with
Government’s Plan for Change
forests, and who wants to
the Professional Forester
and apprenticeships like these
work in a sector with lots of
Apprenticeship programme.
are a great way to give people
opportunities, to apply.”
The three-year, paid
access to a new career.
development opportunity
is open to school leavers,
graduates or anyone
looking for a change in
career direction and a
rewarding job in the natural
environment.
Apprentices on the scheme
hands-on experience with
the Forestry Commission and
academic studies in forestry
management led by the
University of Cumbria. There
is potential for wider sector
placements to further develop
students' skills and experience,
improving their future
employment prospects.
Angus said: “Having spent
Apprenticeship programme
the 昀椀rst part of my career
has already kickstarted 78
developing and delivering
careers in forestry since it 昀椀rst
environmental policy, I
began in 2022. Reopening the
wanted to get more practical
programme will o昀昀er more
environmental management
people the chance to be part
experience.
of a new cohort of foresters.
enjoy a combination of
Apprentice Julia Churchill-
The Professional Forester
"Forestry seemed like the
Forestry Commission Chief
perfect way to do this. As
Executive, Richard Stanford,
a Development Woodland
said: “The Professional Forester
O昀케cer, I’m also completing a
Apprenticeship programme
degree and that’s been a great
o昀昀ers people the chance to
complement to my job with
earn while they learn. Students
lots of academic and practical
have a mix of academic study
training as well.”
and technical experience in
the great outdoors and, at
the end of the programme,
can achieve a bachelor’s
Upon completion, successful
graduates will earn a
Professional Forester
Apprenticeship (equivalent
The forestry and timber sector
degree and chartered forester
plays a key role in ensuring
quali昀椀cations.
to Level 6), become a BSc
"The continued success of
and will be able to apply for
this unique programme is
Chartered Forester status
heartening to see – people
with the Institute of Chartered
from all kinds of backgrounds
Foresters.
our woods and forests are
healthy for generations to
come, helping the country
meet its net zero and
environment targets and
supporting economic growth.
Providing good employment
opportunities across the
(Hons) Professional Forester,
and ages have been able to
kickstart a new career. I urge
anyone who is interested in
SUPPLYING TIMBER
8
SPRING 2025
Learn more at www.gov.
uk/guidance/apply-for-aforestry-apprenticeship
↑
Image: The
Professional Forester
Apprenticeship
Programme is
o昀昀ering schoolleavers, graduates
and career-changers
the chance to learn
about forestry.
