TWO future industry leaders have told of the difference a Scottish Woodlands graduate scheme has made to their lives – and urged others to apply for upcoming roles.
Pippa Paterson and George Smith are among the 33 young people who have taken part in the Graduate Development Programme since it was launched in 2017 by the forestry firm.
With 85 per cent of all graduate trainees still employed, Scottish Woodlands bosses are now on the hunt for fresh recruits and have eight places on 2022’s scheme up for grabs.
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Pippa, who joined the graduate development programme in September 2020 and is based in Perth, said: “I’ve loved all the different elements of the programme. I’m a very practically-minded person, so the idea of learning as you go really appealed to me.
“I can’t believe how much I have packed into the first year and a bit – I’ve worked on a lot of forest plans across Perthshire and Angus, as well as new woodland creation schemes and operational work.
“I’m really passionate about getting more trees into the ground in the right places and it’s been great to work with such a wide range of clients – from small farm woodlands to large productive planting schemes.”
The 2022 intake is the highest annual one to date, and the new recruits will work in a variety of locations and learn about forest planning, new woodland creation, timber harvesting, grant applications, working with contractors, forestry finance and much more.
George, who is based at SWL’s Lochgilphead office in Argyll and joined the scheme in 2021, said: “I knew from researching Scottish Woodlands as a student that the variety of work would keep me on my toes and allow constant learning on the job.
“I also hoped the training opportunities provided would be a great benefit to expanding my knowledge.
“Working with Scottish Woodlands has propelled me forward in my career goals and has given me new and valuable skills from day one. My long-term ambition is to keep learning and working hard to become a forest manager, and I’d 100 per cent recommend the scheme to others.”
Ralland Browne, managing director of Scottish Woodlands, said: “We are experts at growing trees and at growing our own future managers and leaders.
“Forestry is a rapidly-growing profession and we need lots more skilled people in all areas of our business.”
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