THREE forestry graduate schemes have been given the seal of approval by the Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF). 

Members of the ICF's professional & educational standards committee last month rubber stamped the programmes offered by Savills UK, Scottish Woodlands, and Tilhill.

Successful completion of the respective graduate schemes now offers individuals two additional Professional Membership Entry (PME) qualifying points, meaning graduates without an honours degree specifically in forestry or arboriculture may be able to present for PME two years earlier than before (subject to eligibility).

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The accreditation of graduate programmes represents a step-change for the Institute, offering a more flexible route to chartered status – a route that acknowledges additional qualifying points for vocational skills and professional development in a real-world setting, rather than replicating the learning outcomes of academic studies.

Mark Townsend, head of woodland management and arboriculture at Savills UK, said: “Graduates are the future and Savills has a proven track record in supporting them. I have been privileged to have worked with the Institute to develop this new accreditation which provides a rigorous way of assessing the quality of our Graduate Training Programme." 

Ian Robinson, managing director of Scottish Woodlands, said: “We are very proud to receive this recognition from the Institute for our industry-leading Graduate Development Programme. This year’s intake of five new graduates means more than 50 people have been through the high-quality programme, launched to tackle industry skills challenges by growing our own future leaders."

Tony Lockey, group learning and development manager at BSW Timber, said: “We are thrilled at this news. Tilhill’s Graduate Programme being awarded two PME qualifying points highlights our commitment to our people and to the development work we do in our ground-breaking and premier forestry graduate scheme."

In light of the ongoing skills shortage in the sector, the ICF remains committed to encouraging new entrants and furthering the professional development of arboriculturists and foresters. 

Dr Stuart Glen, member services director at the Institute, said: “As the sector looks to recruit more and more capable individuals from non-traditional routes, it is vital that the Institute reflects this, and rewards those employers with rigorous and respected, structured training programmes."