GovWire

About the Development Woodland Officer programme

The Development Woodland Officer programme offers applicants the opportunity to study the Professional Forester Apprenticeship at the National School of Forestry. The apprenticeship is a three-year, paid development opportunity for passionate individuals looking to kickstart their careers in forestry.

Jointly led by the Forestry Commission, the University of Cumbria and the Institute of Chartered Foresters, the programme marks the first time that a degree-level forestry apprenticeship has been offered in the UK.

The Forestry Commission is looking for driven individuals who are eager to support ambitious tree planting plans and ensure our precious woods and forests continue to flourish for generations to come.

What does the programme involve?

Students will benefit from:

• academic studies in forestry management at the University of Cumbria
• practical experience in area teams across England
• nine months of wider sector placements to further build skills and experience, enhancing future employment prospects

Upon completion of the programme, successful graduates will earn a Professional Forester Apprenticeship (equivalent to Level 6), a BSc (Hons) Professional Forester and the potential to gain Chartered Forester status with the Institute of Chartered Foresters.

How to apply step by step

To apply for the Development Woodland Officer apprenticeship programme, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Find out if you are eligible

2. Make an application via Civil Service Jobs:

Applications for the 2023 Development Woodland Officer programme closed on the 26 February 2023. 15 positions are available on the 2023 Development Woodland Officer programme.

The first cohort of 15 Development Woodland Officers started in September 2022.

Find out if you are eligible

The Development Woodland Officer programme is open to school leavers, graduates or anyone looking for a change in career direction.

A Level 6 Apprenticeship is a degree level qualification. There is a strong academic element embedded into the programme.

Minimum entry requirements are:

• Mathematics - GCSE pass at grade C or 4 and above
• Minimum of 96 UCAS points - these can be made up in several ways

To check your qualifications, use the UCAS Tariff Calculator.

Due to the funding requirements of the Apprenticeship Levy, applicants need to have been resident in the UK/EEA for at least 3 years prior to the start date of the apprenticeship to be eligible to submit an application.

Contact the Forestry Commission

For more information or questions about the Development Woodland Officer programme, please email DWOenquiries@forestrycommission.gov.uk.