Applications have now reopened for joining our Professional Forester Apprenticeship this September. Programme Manager Gareth Hopkins MBE offers advice for anyone considering applying.
In November last year, the first people to complete our Professional Forester Apprenticeship graduated at Carlisle Cathedral. It was a celebration of three years of work, study and friendships, and a hugely proud moment for everyone involved.
Of the 21 people who graduated that day, 19 have secured jobs in forestry, and the paths of these graduates will undoubtedly cross again as their careers flourish and they make their mark on the sector.
Applications have opened once again for this apprenticeship which we're leading with the University of Cumbria and the Institute of Chartered Foresters, and we are preparing for 8 more future foresters to join the programme. Might you be one of them? The closing date for applications is Sunday 1 March 2026.
Forestry needs skilled and enthusiastic workers, so if you have a passion to pursue a career in forestry and are looking for an exciting, supportive pathway into the industry, we’d love to hear from you.
Perhaps you’re keen but unsure of what to expect? We’ve answered some commonly asked questions here. If you’re interested but have been talking yourself out of applying, keep reading…
The 2025 cohort of apprentices on a team building trip at Go Ape at Birches Valley, Cannock Chase. I haven’t studied for years. Will I have to take exams?No. There are no exams. It’s a continual assessment process with assignments submitted throughout the course, and a project and professional discussion at the end of the 3-year course.
Each module has a tutor, offering expertise and support, and the programme has its own trainers, myself among them, who you’ll be in regular contact with and who provide ongoing support throughout the course.
Many of our current apprentices have joined us after a break from formal education. It’s important to remember that only 20% of the course is academic study and 80% is on-the-job training. For most of the time, you’ll be based with one of the Forestry Commission’s area teams for hands-on learning among professionals.
What if I haven’t got any experience in forestry?That’s precisely what the course is for. We will help you gain the experience, qualifications and connections that will help you find a job in the industry when the course ends. Our current apprentices and graduates all joined us from a real mix of professions. We’ve had former teachers, someone from the military, a company director, IT professionals...what really counts is having a passion for forestry and the commitment to see the 3-year course through.
I can’t afford to take time out from working to study.This is a paid role (£26,959 pa), so you’ll earn as you learn and become qualified. Course fees are covered, as well as essential books, equipment and student membership to The Institute of Chartered Foresters. Every 8 weeks the group gets together for academic studies so travel and accommodation for these trips are all taken care of and meal expenses can be reclaimed.
Apprentices tree planting. Will it improve my chances of getting a job in Forestry?Yes. On completion, successful graduates will earn a Professional Forester Apprenticeship (equivalent to Level 6), a BSc (Hons) Professional Forester and the potential to be an accredited member of The Institute of Chartered Foresters.
You’ll also have valuable first-hand experience and contacts. The Forestry sector is fully supportive of the apprenticeship because there’s a real need for skilled foresters to enter the industry. It will open up some great opportunities.
Will there be opportunities near me?Apprentices will be based with one of our five area teams across England. You can apply to join more than one area team, but you’ll need to be living and working in that area for the duration of the programme. Relocation expenses are not available.
I already have a degree. Can I still apply?You must have 96 UCAS points and GCSE English and Maths grade C/4 or above to be eligible to apply. If you have a degree in addition to these criteria you can still apply, as long as your degree is not in forestry or a related subject.
Apprentices at Westonbirt Arboretum learning more about coppicing. How is the teaching delivered?Face-to-face teaching happens in 1-week blocks held roughly every 8 weeks. These take place either at the National School of Forestry in Cumbria, or Cannock Chase in Staffordshire. Online tutorials, self-directed study and enrichment training occur in the weeks between these teaching blocks alongside your role with the Forestry Commission area team. There is no summer break. The final modules of years 1 and 2 run through July and August.
I’ve submitted my application, what now?Once the closing date has passed on 1 March 2026, we’ll spend time reading all the applications and choosing candidates to progress to the next stage. These people will be invited to one of our assessment days for an interview and to take part in a range of tasks. The assessment days are designed to help you show your passion and strengths – previous apprentices have said how much they enjoyed this part of the process!
Conditional offers are made in June, with final offers made in late July or early August ready for a September start.
Feeling more confident? Visit our apply for a forestry apprenticeship page to find out more about the programme, entry requirements, and how to apply. Applications close at 11.55pm on Sunday 1 March 2026.
If you’d like to explore other routes into a forestry career, check our collection of forestry careers resources and guidance.
seen at 09:57, 9 February in Forestry Commission.