THE Royal Forestry Society's (RFS) traineeship programme is now accepting applications as it enters its eighth year.
The industry-recognised Forestry Roots tackles the widening skills gap in UK forestry while offering future foresters a pathway into the sector.
Funded by the ALA Green Charitable Trust, the scheme is open to 18-30 year olds that are looking to kickstart a fulfilling career.
The programme seeks to provide opportunities for those who’ve faced barriers to gaining employment. Each trainee will receive 20 days of hands-on training worth up to £2,000, professional development and workplace experience that culminates in a Level 2 Forestry qualification.
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“Youth unemployment rates are rising, showing that young people are struggling to get employment, particularly if they are from an economically disadvantaged background,” said Becky Wilkinson, learning and outreach manager for the RFS. “Many young people are keen to enter the forestry sector and follow a wide variety of fulfilling careers. Forestry Roots is about believing in people who aren't in our sector yet but will be valuable assets with the right training and support.”
Placements in the 2025/26 programme are offered by some of England’s leading estates and woodlands, including Harewood House in West Yorkshire, The Hillyfield in Devon, Hill Holt Wood on the Lincolnshire-Nottinghamshire border and Chatsworth House in Derbyshire.
Successful candidates can expect to assist with tasks such as tree thinning, tree guard maintenance, pruning, planting and re-stocking. They may be involved in invasive species removal, maintaining infrastructure, pest control and natural flood management, or contribute to surveys or data recording.
Alison Dinnie, careers advisor for the RFS, said: "Forestry Roots is so impactful because each trainee is treated as an individual. We understand that different people have different needs; it isn’t a one size fits all program. The personalised mentoring helps to tailor the traineeship even further. We discuss future goals, training needs and work out the best steps to help them achieve what will be of most value to them."
Since launching in 2018, Forestry Roots has kickstarted the careers of nearly 50 young foresters across England and Wales.
Past trainees have secured varied roles within the forestry sector, for example, working as woodland officers, estate foresters, forestry communications specialists, forestry consultants or arborists.
Some have even carved out their own path as business owners. Harriet Jenkins, who completed the 2023/24 programme, now works as a freelance contractor across woodlands in North Wales.
