Last week, the Institute’s Education & Outreach Officer, Dr Rob Hawkins, and Head of Policy & Partnerships, Jemima Cooper, attended the launch of the UK’s first degree-level apprenticeship in forestry at Cannock Chase Forest.
It was a day of celebration, welcome and induction for the 27 new apprentices who gathered alongside supporting guests, and those responsible for developing the Professional Forester apprenticeship programme.
The Development Woodland Officer programme offers a three-year, paid development opportunity for passionate individuals looking to kickstart their careers in forestry and is jointly led by the Forestry Commission, the University of Cumbria and the Institute of Chartered Foresters.
Gareth Hopkins, Development Woodland Officer programme lead, Forestry Commission, said:
“I am proud to formally launch the Development Woodland Officer programme, the Forestry Commission’s landmark drive to upskill, diversify and expand the forestry sector workforce.
Through the UK’s first-ever degree-level forestry apprenticeship scheme, this diverse group of apprentices will gain hands-on experience of life in forestry, as well as a BSc (Hons) and the potential to gain Chartered Forester status with the Institute of Chartered Foresters.
I look forward to working closely with these ambitious, driven individuals as part of our plans to expand, protect and strengthen the nation’s vital forests, woods and trees, ensuring their resilience for generations to come.”
Dr Rob Hawkins has been heavily involved in the development of this programme and spoke on how the programme will play a vital part in the growing, upskilling and diversification of the sector workforce, supporting the skills crisis.
Louise Simpson, the Institute’s Executive Director was unable to attend, but sent a message for the day:
“The launch of the Professional Forester apprenticeship is an exciting and much-needed development for the sector, and one that the Institute has been a part of since its inception. We hope this will inspire a new generation of forestry professionals, upskill many already in the sector and boost the skills of our industry. We wish you the best of luck in your journey.”
