The Forestry Commission is recruiting the next cohort of Development Woodland Officers into the Professional Forester Apprenticeship programme, alongside introducing a new scheme to support small forestry employers.

National Apprenticeship Week starts today, and these programmes highlight the positive impact that apprenticeships have in developing a skilled workforce for the forestry sector.

Both schemes are designed to support more people to enter careers in forestry, helping the country meet its environmental targets and supporting economic growth.

David Bole, Head of Green Economy and Skills at the Forestry Commission, says:

Forestry offers meaningful, skilled work in the natural environment. Our support for apprenticeships through the Sector Skills Plan demonstrates the government’s ongoing commitment to developing skilled workers and building a resilient sector – making sure we have the foresters we need, now and in the future.

New scheme supports small forestry businesses

A new pilot scheme will remove barriers for small forestry businesses, making it easier for them to access skilled talent and build a resilient workforce.

Non-profit organisation Supplytrain will manage the administrative requirements for Level 3 Forest Craftsperson apprenticeships, including recruitment, HR, payroll and college liaison on behalf of forestry employers.

This means small and seasonal forestry businesses can  take on apprentices without the administrative burden. Employers simply pay the apprentice’s wages and provide the work.

The package covers mandatory training including chainsaw, pesticide and forestry first aid qualifications, as well as travel and accommodation support for apprentices to attend college. Apprentices can also be shared across businesses, so employers are not tied to a full 2-year commitment.

Applications open for graduate apprentices

8 Development Woodland Officers will be recruited into the Professional Forester Apprenticeship programme, run in partnership with the University of Cumbria.

The 3-year, paid development opportunity is open to school leavers, graduates or anyone looking for a career change and a rewarding job in the natural environment.

Since the scheme started in 2022, 50 apprentices have launched their careers at the Forestry Commission, with another 49 entering the programme from elsewhere in the sector.

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

Get further information

Find out more about the Level 3 apprentices project on the Supplytrain website or join Supplytrain’s webinar on Tuesday 10 February at 1pm.

Learn more about the Professional Forester Apprenticeship programme and how to apply. The deadline to apply is 11:55pm Sunday 1 March 2026.