Are you passionate about forests, woods and trees? Do you want to help tackle the climate emergency? Then a career in forestry could be for you.
The Forestry Commission is looking for 15 passionate individuals to join a new, 'Development Woodland Officer' apprenticeship programme starting this September. This is the first time that a degree-level apprenticeship has been offered in forestry.
Jointly led with the University of Cumbria and Institute of Chartered Foresters, the Development Woodland Officer programme offers an exciting, new pathway into the forestry sector and to becoming a professional forester. Open to school leavers, graduates or anyone looking for a change in career direction, the paid programme is three years long, with a mix of 80% on-the-job training and 20% academic studies.
Hands on, practical experience
On-the-job training gives individuals on the Development Woodland Officer programme the chance to build the skills they need to become a professional forester, in real life situations.
A day on the Development Woodland Officer programme will be varied and could include:
All while working alongside your local Professional Forester mentor allowing time to consolidate and hone your skills. We do work out in all weathers and a typical week would see you out of the office for around three days attending site meetings and inspections before the obligatory time in the office completing paperwork. Technology is being embraced to help with this including the roll out of mobile digital working platforms.
Development Woodland Officers will work with forestry teams across England, from York, Penrith, Santon Downham to Farnham and Exeter. On top of this, those taking part in the programme will also undertake nine months of wider sector placements to further build skills.
Professional Forester Apprenticeship
On the academic side, Development Woodland Officers will benefit from academic studies in forestry management at the University of Cumbria, either at one of the university campuses in Cumbria or based at the Forestry Commission training centre at Cannock Chase. Apprentices will then go back to their host Forestry Commission team to consolidate their skills on the ground.
At the end of the three-year 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 in the spotlight
It's an exciting time to work in forestry. The government’s target to treble tree planting rates in England during this Parliament, along with the push to use more home-grown timber, means the sector is in the spotlight.
We’re looking for ambitious people who are clearly passionate about forests, woods and trees. We want to work with individuals who are driven to support our ambitious tree planting plans and help ensure our woods and forests flourish and grow for future generations.
Never has there been a more important time for trees and forests to help tackle the climate emergency and provide a much-needed sanctuary for people and wildlife, and as a Development Woodland Officer, you could play a part.
The Forestry Commission will be offering 15 Development Woodland Officer positions in 2022, with the first cohort of officers starting in September. 45 places will be offered over the next three years.
The Development Woodland Officer recruitment window is now open. Apply now via Civil Service Jobs or by searching Forestry Apprenticeship on gov.uk.
Deadline for 2022 applications is 8 May 2022.
