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National Apprenticeship Week: getting started in forestry

An apprenticeship is a great way to earn while you learn, whether you're leaving school or looking for a change of career later in life.

By Joe Roberts · February 3, 2025

It’s National Apprenticeships Week!

Apprenticeships are a fantastic way for people to learn about Forestry. You can gain theory qualifications and practical tickets to support you in gaining employment when your apprenticeship comes to an end. And unlike a full time, college course you’re starting to earn a living and also gain work experience.

This is valuable experience that future employers will look favourably on as you’ve already proved you’re reliable, can work well in a team and you understand the working day. They can enable you to build important connections within your local network which can help with future work and training opportunities. Often apprenticeships are seen as an option for young people but there are more and more opportunities for older individuals and people changing careers to take advantage of the benefits of earning whilst you learn.

RFS Careers Advisor, Alison Dinnie offers her top picks of where to look for forestry apprenticeships.

Sometimes you may not be local to a college that offers Forestry, but some colleges (Plumpton College is one example) are starting to offer their learning in “blocks” to enable individuals to work for 3 weeks and then be in college for one week of the month before returning to the placement.

Most apprenticeships will open applications in the Spring and start in the Autumn, working with the academic year.