The University of Cumbria in partnership with the Welsh Government, are offering current employees working in forestry the opportunity to become professionally recognised with an industry standard qualification starting with the completion of a fully funded one day workshop in March to be held in Llandrindod Wells.
Currently forestry work is a safety critical role that currently has no formal test of skill and many people across the industry are from a range of different backgrounds. Feedback from employers and those working in forestry roles are keen to see consistent levels of competency.
Informed by the Forestry Industry Safety Accord (FISA) Forest Works Manager professional group, the Experienced Forestry Worker Route initiative is in response to employers concerns, as well as the government’s plan to make training better match Wales’ economic needs, which focuses on developing green skills and higher-level skills at Levels 4 and 5 to strengthen vocational education, boost apprenticeships, and help create a “skills-first” economy.
Current employees who are experienced in forestry but don’t have a professionally recognised qualification will be guided during the session to assess their current skill and experience level against the standards for the Open Awards Level 4 Experienced Worker Assessment for Forest Works Managers qualification. With the support of the university’s academic experts, they will also learn how to develop their portfolio of evidence that can be presented for formal assessment.
Deputy First Minister, Huw Irranca-Davies from the Welsh Government said “we are committed to strengthening the skills and safety of Wales’ forestry workforce. This initiative provides experienced practitioners with a clear route to recognition, supporting consistency, professionalism, and confidence across the sector. By investing in people, we are helping ensure that forestry in Wales continues to grow as a resilient, high quality and sustainable industry.”
Paul Armstrong, Head of Apprenticeships and Employer Skills at the University of Cumbria said this initiative is “a great example of how we work with employers and partners, offering tailored solutions via flexible delivery approaches to support their skills agendas and workforce development plans. Our National School of Forestry has a strong reputation for producing award-winning professionals who now occupy some of the most senior roles in the forestry and woodland sector.”
This one-day workshop gives forestry workers a pathway to the Direct Award that is widely recognised across the UK forestry industry and its employers. This enables them to perform their role with confidence and progress to further training, including a Professional Forester degree apprenticeship. Completion of the Forest Works Manager also qualifies attendees to apply for Technical membership of the Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF), providing a clear pathway for ongoing career development.
To find out more or register for the event, visit https://www.cumbria.ac.uk/forestry-workshop
