Inspiring young foresters – seven take first career steps

The scheme matches those looking for their first paid employment after college or university with employers from among the RFS membership offering roles which will help build skills and careers.

RFS Development Manager Jen Turner says: “The Forestry Sector is facing a severe shortage of skilled workers at all levels. We have a responsibility to ensure that we create simple pathways for people to enter the sector.

“Our trainees our supported to overcome barriers they’ve faced to get their first step up onto the career ladder. We are proud to be able to offer more young people than ever the chance to get involved and kick start their forestry career.

“Together we can help to build the skilled workforce we need for today’s and tomorrow’s challenges.”

This year’s successful Forestry Roots applicants were:

Max Battison

Graduate Forestry Consultant, Oakbank Game & Conservation Ltd, Cambridgeshire

BSc (Hons) Forestry with Placement Year, Bangor University

Dylan Hardy

Forestry Practitioner, Broadleaf Wales, North Wales

Level 3 Extended Diploma in Countryside Management, Brooksby Melton College

Hannah Holden

Forestry Assistant, Harewood Estate, West Yorkshire

BA Geography, University of Sheffield

Gregory Roberts

Trainee Forester, Eaton Estate, Cheshire

FdSc Environmental and Land Management, Reaseheath College

Thomas Smith

Forestry Assistant, Harewood Estate, West Yorkshire

Level 3 Extended Diploma Level 3 Countryside Land and Wildlife Management, Reaseheath College

Will Swift

Trainee Forestry Consultant, Dunnewoods, Cumbria

BSc (Hons) Forest Management, University of Cumbria

Joe Western

Assistant Forest Worker, Englefield Estate, Berkshire

BSc Countryside Management, Harper Adams University

More Forestry Roots posts will be publicised in spring/summer 2022. Find out more about the Forestry Roots programme here