Gareth Biggins, former apprentice and now Forest Officer at the Forest of Marston Vale Community Forest, reflects on his experiences as part on the first ever cohort of the Forestry Commission’s Professional Forester Degree Apprenticeship.
After three years of learning, growing and getting my boots muddy, I’m proud to have been a part of the first cohort on the Professional Forester Degree Apprenticeship. It’s been a valuable experience and the progression we’ve all made from apprentice to qualified forester is something I’ll always appreciate.
It’s been a journey filled with fieldwork, coursework, plenty of tree talk and a lot of laughter along the way!
A solid grounding for a career in forestry
The apprenticeship has given us a solid grounding in silviculture (the care and cultivation of woodlands), woodland ecology, forest policy and operations management. But more than that, it’s taught us how to navigate the complexities of landowner engagement, environmental regulation and the ever-evolving challenges of climate change.
We’ve developed confidence in decision-making and a deeper appreciation for the role forestry plays in our national landscape. Throughout the three years, we have learned that forestry is a multidisciplinary career. Forestry offers a range of pathways and exciting opportunities for each of us to pursue according to our emerging areas of interest.
Highlights from the journey
Looking back on the Professional Forester Degree Apprenticeship, there have been some standout highlights for me. These include:
- attending residential learning blocks with fellow apprentices, both university and Forestry Commission led – sharing experiences, building a network of future foresters and forging real friendships
- wading through the peat bogs of Kielder Forest
- supporting the technological advancement of the forestry industry through involvement with projects such as Earth Observation
- training in forest development type, soils and productive forestry with Dr Jens Haufe, a Forestry Specialist
A promising future in forestry
Now we’ve completed the apprenticeship, it’s time to take our next exciting step forward as we embark on a variety of new challenges within the forestry sector.
Some of my cohort graduates have secured roles within the Forestry Commission, taking on vital roles as Woodland Officers, Regulations and Incentives Support Officers, and Planning and Tree Health Pilot Officers. Meanwhile, others are contributing towards Forestry England’s crucial work to sustainably manage the nation’s forests as Harvesting Supervisors and Standing Sales Supervisors.
The private and charity sector will also benefit from graduates accepting roles as Foresters, Forestry Agents and Area Rangers. And for those choosing to take time to reflect, after what has been an intense cycle of learning and assessment, I celebrate their thoughtful approach to planning their next steps in what promises to be a rewarding career in forestry.
The apprenticeship has equipped me with a renewed sense of purpose and a toolkit of skills to match. I’m quietly confident to say that I feel like a forester. I’m excited that my future career will enable me to keep working with landowners, communities and colleagues. I hope to expand and improve our nation’s woodlands, and I’m eager to work with and encourage others to consider a career in forestry.
Making a difference
In September, I started my new role as Forest Officer at the Forest of Marston Vale Community Forest. I’ll be planning and delivering a range of woodland creation and forest restoration projects, while supporting the development of their trainee foresters.
I’ve also been appointed Volunteer Warden for the Wildlife Trust’s Gamlingay Wood in Cambridgeshire and will be working with the Forestry Commission to develop a steering group to further develop the apprenticeship.
Leading the way for future foresters
Our apprenticeship journey has had its highs and some challenges, but together we made it. We are leading the way for future foresters for years to come.
Now, it’s time to reflect on how much we have learnt and to recognise that whatever path our future takes us down, we are foresters. I really look forward to bumping into my fellow cohort, in a woodland somewhere, in years to come.
A huge thank you to all those involved along the way, from managers, mentors and the Apprenticeship Programme team, your support has been hugely appreciated.
Learn more about a rewarding career in forestry on our GOV.UK page, where you will find further guidance on career paths, training and personal accounts of those working in forestry.
Leave a comment