Forestry Training Fund Announced
A new Forestry Training Fund is available now to cover 100% of eligible short, practical forestry courses to build and diversify skills in forestry.
PLEASE NOTE: DUE TO UNPRECEDENTED DEMAND
THIS FUND IS NO LONGER TAKING APPLICATIONS.
Over £700,000 has been allocated by Defra and Forestry Commission, via the government’s Nature for Climate Fund, to support applicants in their journey either starting or developing a career in forestry. With grants expected in the range of £150-£3,000 paid direct to the funding provider.
The Forestry Commission claims this will kick-start a step change in tree planting in England, and “help us achieve our commitment of increasing and protecting our biodiversity by providing habitat connectivity, as well as capturing carbon as part of the pathway to net zero emissions by 2050.”
Anyone taking a step into a career in forestry, working in other land-based sectors, including those switching careers and those who want to develop their skills, will be eligible able to get help.
RFS Chief Executive, Christopher Williams says “this new funding from the Forestry Commission is very welcome. We currently have significant skills and capacity issues within the sector, and this training fund should provide more opportunities to develop the forestry workforce. Still more needs to be done to encourage more people to choose forestry as their career, and the RFS is working hard with others in the sector to create those pathways.”
Applications are being accepted until March 2025 but we expect the fund to be exhausted quickly so are encouraging those interested to get their applications in early.
With such a major boost to our sector, the RFS is excited to see the results over the next few years!
Want to apply? Find more information or go direct to the Forestry Training Fund Portal.
Training Providers can also get involved by applying to join the register.
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