Apply for a Forestry Apprenticeship

About the Development Woodland Officer apprenticeship programme

The Development Woodland Officer apprenticeship programme offers a three-year, paid development opportunity for passionate individuals looking to kickstart their careers in forestry.

Jointly led by the Forestry Commission, the University of Cumbria and the Institute of Chartered Foresters, the programme marks the first time that a degree-level forestry apprenticeship has been offered in the UK.

The Forestry Commission is looking for driven individuals who are eager to support ambitious tree planting plans and ensure our precious woods and forests continue to flourish for generations to come.

What doedoes the programme involve?

Development Woodland Officers will benefit from:

• academic studies in forestry management at the University of Cumbria
• practical experience in area teams across England
• nine months of wider sector placements to further build skills and experience, enhancing future employment prospects

Upon completion of the programme, successful graduates will earn a Professional Forester Apprenticeship (equivalent to Level 6), a BSc (Hons) in Forest Management and the potential to gain Chartered Forester status with the Institute of Chartered Foresters.

How to apply

To apply for the Development Woodland Officer apprenticeship programme, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Find out if you are eligible

1. Make an application via Civil Service Jobs. onceThe applicationsclosing opendate onfor 28applications Marchis 2022.8 May 2022.

The first cohort of 15 Development Woodland Officers will start in September 2022.

Find out if you are eligible

The Development Woodland Officer apprenticeship programme is open to school leavers, graduates or anyone looking for a change in career direction.

A Level 6 Apprenticeship is a degree level qualification. There is a strong academic element embedded into the programme.

Minimum entry requirements are:

• Mathematics - GCSE pass at grade C or 4 and above
• Minimum of 96 UCAS points - these can be made up in several ways

To check your qualifications, use the UCAS Tariff Calculator.

Contact the Forestry Commission

For more information or questions about the Development Woodland Officer apprenticeship programme, please email DWOenquiries@forestrycommission.gov.uk.