Enviro News Asia, United Kingdom — The Forestry Commission has opened new apprenticeship pathways to widen access to careers in forestry, as it begins recruiting a new cohort of Development Woodland Officers and launches a pilot scheme aimed at supporting small forestry businesses.
The announcement coincides with National Apprenticeship Week, highlighting the role of apprenticeships in building a skilled and resilient forestry workforce while supporting environmental goals and economic growth.
Through the Professional Forester Apprenticeship programme, the Forestry Commission will recruit eight Development Woodland Officers into a three-year paid development scheme delivered in partnership with the University of Cumbria. The programme is open to school leavers, university graduates, and individuals seeking a career change into the natural environment sector.
Participants will combine academic study with practical experience. Upon completion, apprentices will obtain a Level 6 Professional Forester Apprenticeship alongside a BSc (Hons) in Professional Forestry, and will be eligible to apply for Chartered Forester status with the Institute of Chartered Foresters.
Since its launch in 2022, the programme has supported 99 apprentices, with 50 beginning their careers at the Forestry Commission and a further 49 joining from elsewhere in the forestry sector.
In parallel, the Forestry Commission has introduced a new pilot scheme to help small and seasonal forestry businesses overcome barriers to hiring apprentices. Under the scheme, non-profit organisation Supplytrain will manage administrative responsibilities for Level 3 Forest Craftsperson apprenticeships, including recruitment, human resources, payroll, and coordination with training providers.
The initiative allows small employers to host apprentices without handling complex administrative processes. Businesses are required only to pay wages and provide workplace experience, while the scheme covers mandatory training, including chainsaw operation, pesticide handling, and forestry first aid. Travel and accommodation support will also be provided for apprentices attending college.
The model allows apprentices to be shared across multiple employers, reducing the need for a full two-year commitment from a single business and increasing flexibility within the sector.
David Bole, Head of Green Economy and Skills at the Forestry Commission, said the expansion of apprenticeship routes reflects the government’s commitment to developing skilled workers and ensuring long-term capacity within the forestry sector.
The programmes form part of the Forestry Commission’s wider Sector Skills Plan, aimed at ensuring the availability of qualified foresters to meet future land management, climate, and biodiversity objectives. (*)
