A first-of-its-kind apprenticeship initiative to foster a
growing, highly skilled and more diverse workforce within the
forestry sector has been opened today.
The Development Woodland Officer programme offers a three-year,
paid development opportunity for passionate individuals looking
to kickstart their careers in forestry. Jointly led by the
Forestry Commission, the University of Cumbria and the Institute
of Chartered Foresters, the programme marks the first time that a
degree-level forestry apprenticeship has been offered in the UK.
The initiative aims to grow, upskill, and diversify the forestry
sector workforce. Expanding long-term workforce capacity will
help to deliver the Government’s tree planting and woodland
creation ambitions over the coming years as we build back
greener.
Development Woodland Officers will benefit from academic studies
in forestry management at the University of Cumbria, practical
experience in Forestry Commission area teams across England, and
nine months of wider sector placements to further build their
skills and experience, enhancing future employment prospects.
Upon completion of the programme, successful graduates will earn
a Professional Forester Apprenticeship (equivalent to Level 6), a
BSc (Hons) in Forest Management and the potential to gain
Chartered Forester status with the Institute of Chartered
Foresters.
Forestry Commission Chief Executive, Richard Stanford
said:
This new programme offers an exciting career pathway into the
forestry sector for people from all backgrounds and abilities.
It offers the unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience, a
BSc (Hons) and the potential to gain Chartered Forester status
with the Institute of Chartered Foresters. The Forestry
Commission apprentices will be paid and will gain all these
qualifications, with zero tuition fees and no need for a student
loan.
We are looking for ambitious, driven individuals who are eager to
support our plans to expand, protect and improve our nation’s
vital forests, woods and trees to give us a resilient future for
generations to come.
University of Cumbria Vice Chancellor, Professor Julie
Mennell said:
The University of Cumbria is proud of the collaborative role it
plays with partners to upskill workforce teams in existing and
emerging industries to address higher-level skills and sector
needs.
We are delighted to be working with the Forestry Commission to
offer this new pathway into forestry.
Executive Director, Institute of Chartered Foresters,
Shireen Chambers MBE FICFor said:
The Institute has been part of the developing Trailblazer group
since its inception, and we are delighted to see the launch of
this exciting degree apprenticeship in forestry. We hope this
will inspire a new generation of forestry professionals and
encourage those already in the industry who want to learn while
working, providing much needed new skills into our growing
sector.
Today’s announcement follows the publication of the England Trees
Action Plan, which set out plans to treble tree
planting rates in England during this Parliament, funded
through an expected £500 million from the Nature for Climate
Fund. It also forms part of wider Government action to create new
green jobs across the country, including through
the £6 million Trees Call to
Action Fund, the landmark National Apprenticeships drive and
the multi-billion-pound Plan for Jobs - putting the UK at the
forefront of a green recovery.
Up to 45 Development Woodland Officer positions will be created
over the next three years, with the first cohort of 15 Officers
starting in September this year.
Apply now via the Civil
Service Jobs Portal.
The Forestry Commission are also interested in working with
partners within the sector to develop the offer on an ongoing
basis. If you would like to find out more about the Development
Woodland Officer programme or the Professional Forester
Apprenticeship, are considering offering apprenticeship positions
or would like to offer support with work placements, please
contact: DWOenquiries@forestrycommission.gov.uk
