The Forestry Commission is recruiting the next
cohort of Development Woodland Officers into
the Professional 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 Skills at
the Forestry Commission, says:
Forestry offers meaningful, skilled work in the natural
environment. Our support for apprenticeships through
the Sector Skills Plan demonstrates 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
scheme supports small forestry businesses
A new pilot scheme will remove barriers for small
forestry businesses, making it 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.
This means small and seasonal forestry
businesses can take on apprentices without
the administrative burden. Employers simply pay the
apprentice's wages and provide the work.
The package covers mandatory training including
chainsaw, pesticide and forestry first aid
qualifications, as well as travel and
accommodation support for apprentices to attend
college. Apprentices can also be shared across
businesses, so employers are not tied to a full 2-year
commitment.
Applications open for graduate
apprentices
8 Development Woodland
Officers will be recruited into
the Professional Forester Apprenticeship
programme, run in partnership with the University
of Cumbria.
The 3-year, paid development opportunity is open to school
leavers, graduates or anyone looking for a career
change and a rewarding job in the natural environment.
Since the scheme started in 2022, 50 apprentices have
launched their careers at the Forestry Commission, with
another 49 entering the 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. They will also be able to apply for
Chartered Forester status with the Institute of Chartered
Foresters.
Get further information
Find out more about the Level 3 apprentices project on
the Supplytrain website or
join Supplytrain's webinar
on Tuesday 10 February at 1pm.
Learn more about the Professional Forester
Apprenticeship programme and how to apply. The deadline to
apply is 11:55pm Sunday 1 March 2026.
