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Guidance: Apply for a Forestry Apprenticeship

Forestry Commission

November 6
09:00 2023

About the Professional Forester Apprenticeship programme

Applications to the Professional Forester 2024 Apprenticeship programme will be opening soon please sign up to the Forestry Commissions eAlerts to hear the latest news on the apprenticeship programme.

The Forestry Commission, in partnership with the National School of Forestry at the University of Cumbria and the Institute of Chartered Foresters, is offering a first of its kind apprenticeship programme designed to kickstart a career in forestry.

The three-year, paid development opportunity launched in 2022 and marked the first time that a degree-level forestry apprenticeship had been offered in the UK.

The Forestry Commission is looking for driven individuals who are eager to support ambitious tree planting plans and ensure our precious woods and forests continue to flourish for generations to come.

What does the programme involve?

Students will benefit from:

  • academic studies in forestry management at the National School of Forestry, University of Cumbria
  • practical experience in area teams across England
  • potential sector placements to further build skills and experience, enhancing future employment prospects

Upon completion of the programme, successful graduates will earn a Professional Forester Apprenticeship (equivalent to Level 6), BSc (Hons) Professional Forester and will be able to apply for Chartered Forester status with the Institute of Chartered Foresters.

Matthew Gaskell, current apprentice, age 19 said:

My advice for anyone thinking about applying from school or college is to not worry about experience, its more important to focus on enthusiasm. The apprenticeships about bringing in new people into forestry, with new ideas. Its the perfect gateway to a future career in forestry its so much better to have already worked in the sector for three years, rather than leaving Uni and starting from scratch again. There are doors already open.

Gareth Biggins, current apprentice, age 41 said:

I was asked recently what an average day looked like for an apprentice. While we have 8-week cycles of university study and assessment, our daily activities vary. Working alongside Woodland Officers, we consolidate the skills and knowledge gained at university by processing Felling Licences, advising woodland owners and surveying Alleged Illegal Felling sites. Many of the highlights of the last 9 months have been during visits to woodlands and the opportunity to discuss these with the owners, managers, foresters, and rangers who nurture them.

How to apply step by step

To apply for the Professional Forester Apprenticeship programme, you will need to follow these steps:

  1. Find out if you are eligible

  2. Make an application via Civil Service Jobs (applications are currently closed)

Find out if you are eligible

The Professional Forester Apprenticeship programme is open to school leavers, graduates or anyone looking for a change in career direction.

A Level 6 Apprenticeship is a degree level qualification. There is a strong academic element embedded into the programme.

Minimum entry requirements are:

  • mathematics - GCSE pass at grade C or 4 and above
  • English - GCSE pass at grade C or 4 and above
  • minimum of 96 UCAS points - these can be made up in several ways

To check your qualifications, use the UCAS Tariff Calculator.

Contact the Forestry Commission

For more information or questions about the Professional Forester Apprenticeship programme, please email apprenticeships@forestrycommission.gov.uk.

Published 7 March 2022
Last updated 6 November 2023 +show all updates
  1. Updated to reflect that the Professional Forester 2024 Apprenticeship programme will be opening for applications soon.

  2. Update to minimum entry requirements to clarify the need for English GCSE pass at grade C or 4 and above.

  3. Update to the name of the programme.

  4. Updated to mark applications as closed.

  5. The application window for our 2023 Development Woodland Officer programme is now open.

  6. Recruitment for 2022 is now closed, sign up to our eAlert for information on 2023 recruitment.

  7. Addition of how to apply information.

  8. First published.

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