Forestry Apprenticeship opportunities expand across England

Training providers across England are expanding their apprenticeship programmes to meet the demand for skilled forestry professionals. From community forest initiatives in Manchester to specialised craftsperson training in the National Forest region, multiple colleges and universities are expanding their opportunities for early career foresters.

Several institutions are actively seeking apprentices and employers for their Forest Craftsperson programmes, while others are offering higher-level qualifications, including Forestry Works Manager and Professional Forester apprenticeships.

Read on for a selection of upcoming information events, autumn enrollment opportunities and new course launches. Some providers are particularly keen to fill remaining places on their programmes, so we encourage employers to get in touch if they can offer employment to a new apprentice.

• Future Skills and Talent Development for Community Forests Event (10 am, 11 July at City of Trees, Trafford Park, Manchester. This event is designed specifically for Community Forests and local authorities. Delivered by the University of Cumbria and City of Trees, it will explore talent development, including the role that apprenticeships at all levels can play.
• Holm Lacy (Herefordshire, Ludlow and North Shropshire College) Autumn 2025 Forest Craftsperson apprenticeship offer.  A flyer is attached, but great to have such a reliable and long-standing training provider offering this apprenticeship for September 2025.
• SMB College Autumn 2025 Forest Craftsperson apprenticeship offer.
• Myerscough College’s new Forest Craftsperson apprenticeship offer in the North West.
• University of Cumbria’s Professional Forester Apprenticeship to round off the offer.

Find out more:

• National Apprenticeship Week: getting started in forestry
• Forestry Roots
• Forestry Roots: “It’s been a real turning point for me”