Forest craftsperson
Level 3 · AdvancedAgriculture, environmental and animal care 2 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
A Forest Craftsperson apprenticeship trains you in the practical skills required to manage and work in woodland environments, including felling trees, processing timber, and carrying out woodland management operations safely and effectively. You will learn to use chainsaws, harvesting machines, and forestry hand tools while working to conservation and production objectives. This standard leads to senior forestry operative, woodland manager, or arboricultural roles.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Safe use of chainsaws including maintenance and sharpening
Tree felling, cross-cutting, and extraction techniques
Woodland management principles and silviculture
Operation of forestry machines and vehicles
Health and safety legislation for forestry operations
Ecological awareness and conservation in woodland management
Plant establishment and beating-up after planting
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Fell trees safely using chainsaw techniques
Process and stack timber to specification
Carry out woodland planting and establishment work
Operate forestry vehicles and machinery on site
Implement management plans for commercial and conservation woodland
Control invasive species and carry out habitat management
Maintain chainsaws and forestry equipment
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 3 (Advanced) - roughly A-level level. Employers usually look for some GCSEs (often English & maths around grade 4/C) or a Level 2 apprenticeship first. English & maths can sometimes be finished during training.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 4/5 (Higher) apprenticeship, or straight into the role.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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