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Forestry worker apprenticeships

Environment and land

Forestry worker apprenticeships - where to start

You can get into this job through

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • volunteering
  • graduate training scheme


    • University

    You could study for a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like: 

    • forestry 
    • arboriculture 
    • countryside management 
    • forest management 
    • woodland ecology and conservation 
    You may choose to study a degree accredited by the Institute of Chartered Foresters. You'll usually need: 

    • 1 or 2 A-Levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma 
    • 2 to 3 A-Levels, or equivalent, for a degree 
    College
    You could take a college course, to learn some of the skills needed in this job. Courses include: 

    • Level 2 Certificate in Land-based Technology 
    • Level 3 Diploma in Forestry and Arboriculture
    You'll usually need 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a Level 2 course. You'll need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a Level 3 course. 

    Apprenticeship
    The following Apprenticeships can help you get into this role: 

    • Level 2 Arborist
    • Level 2 Forest operative
    You'll usually need some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent.

    Volunteering

    Volunteering for a woodland or wildlife charity is a good way to get experience, which could help you when looking for work. 

    Other Routes
    You can apply for a graduate training scheme with Forestry England. 

    Forestry worker apprenticeships - what it takes

    Skills and knowledge

    You'll need: 

    • the ability to use your initiative 
    • to be thorough and pay attention to detail 
    • leadership skills 
    • knowledge of geography 
    • the ability to work well with others 
    • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
    • knowledge of maths 
    • excellent verbal communication skills 
    • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
    Restrictions and Requirements
    You'll need to: 

    • be able to cope with working at height 
    • have a Certificate of Competence, if you carry out hazardous tasks using a chainsaw

    Forestry worker apprenticeships - what you'll do

    Day-to-day tasks

    You could: 

    • clear undergrowth for planting 
    • plant new tree seedlings 
    • dig drainage systems
    • thin out densely wooded areas 
    • fell trees, strip branches and chop up tree trunks
    • protect the forest against insect pests and disease 
    • clear footpaths and nature trails, and maintain car parks 
    • put up fences, gates, signs and public information notices 
    • check and maintain tools and equipment 
    • prevent forest fires
    Working environment
    You could work in a park or in woodland. Your working environment may be physically demanding and outdoors in all weathers. You may need to wear protective clothing.

    Career path and progression - Forestry worker apprenticeships

    You could progress to senior forest worker or become a forest or arboricultural officer. You could also become a forest ranger, working with wardens or conservation officers to look after wildlife.

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    Considering an Apprenticeship?

    There are lots of benefits to apprenticeships, here are our top 5:

    • Paid Training
      Not only will your organisation (or the Government) pay for all of your training, but you’ll be paid to do it. That means you could actually get paid to get your degree and have no debt!
    • Range of career opportunities
      There are over 625 different apprenticeships to choose from, in a range of industries. Whether you’re interested in law, marketing, construction or engineering, you’ll find something up your street!
    • Earn & learn
      As an apprentice, the minimum you’ll earn is £6.20 an hour, but we’ve seen apprentices earn a starting salary of up to £30,000 a year! You could also get other employee benefits like gym memberships, paid holiday and sick pay.
    • Great career prospects
      Employers think apprentices are 15% more employable than those with other qualifications. In fact, many large employers train their graduates and apprentices together!
    • Learn on the job
      There’s only so much you can learn when you just do a qualification. As an apprentice, you’ll also get to learn on the job - whether that’s designing amazing graphics, chopping vegetables or building engines!

    Start searching for Apprenticeships Near You

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