About the Professional Forester Apprenticeship programme

The Forestry Commission is offering a 3-year, paid apprenticeship programme for Development Woodland Officers, designed to kickstart a career in forestry.

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

We launched this development opportunity in 2022 in partnership with the National School of Forestry (University of Cumbria) and the Institute of Chartered Foresters. It marked the first time that a degree-level forestry apprenticeship had been offered in the UK.

We are 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.

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.

What does the programme involve?

Development Woodland Officer apprentices will spend 80% of working hours consolidating skills in a real-life working environment. The remaining 20% will be spent in off-the-job learning with the National School of Forestry, consisting of bi-monthly residential blocks.

Apprentices 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

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.

Read more about Gareth’s Forestry Commission apprentice journey.

Matthew Gaskell, current apprentice, age 19 said:

My advice for anyone thinking about applying from school or college is to not worry about experience, it’s more important to focus on enthusiasm. The apprenticeship’s about bringing in new people into forestry, with new ideas. It’s the perfect gateway to a future career in forestry, it’s so much better to have already worked in the sector for 3 years, rather than leaving university and starting from scratch again. There are doors already open.

Find out if you are eligible

The programme is open to school leavers, graduates or anyone looking change career.

As a ‘level 6 apprenticeship’ is a degree level qualification, there is a strong academic element within the programme.

Minimum entry requirements are:

• maths: 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

Check your qualifications using the UCAS Tariff Calculator.

Successful applicants will need to live and work within the geographical area during their employment. Relocation expenses will not be provided.

How to apply

Contact us and further information

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

Learn more about other career paths and training in forestry.

Find more apprenticeship and trainee opportunities in forestry.

Employers, can you host an apprentice?

We are looking to work with employers who can take on apprentices who will join the Forestry Commission apprentices cohort for the formal part of their training.

We can help with the process and are happy to talk through what’s involved. Email us at apprenticeships@forestrycommission.gov.uk.