Forestry New Entrant Programme opens doors to rewarding rural careers

Six new entrants took their first steps into forestry careers thanks to a practical training programme funded by Foresight and delivered by Forestry Training Services UK (FTSUK) in partnership with SRUC Barony.

Support from South of Scotland Enterprise, local partners and forestry businesses provided a rich and varied experience of the forestry sector and what it has to offer.

With investment from Foresight, the programme brought together people from different backgrounds with a desire to find a way to start a career in forestry, work outdoors and make a positive contribution to the environment. Through hands-on training, industry visits and recognised qualifications, participants gained an insight into the wide range opportunities available across the forestry sector.

Forestry plays a vital role in supporting rural communities, providing sustainable timber for a vital wood processing sector, helping tackle climate change, enhancing biodiversity and creating rewarding long-term careers. The South of Scotland and North of England are at the heart of one of the UK’s most important forestry regions and can offer opportunities across woodland creation, forest management, harvesting, haulage and wood processing to grow our pool of rural talent.

The programme has already helped participants progress towards their goals. One participant has secured employment as a tree surveyor, another has continued into further forestry education at SRUC, and two are working in planting teams establishing the forests of the future! Others are exploring specialist training and employment opportunities across the sector with ongoing support from FTSUK.

Melanie McEwen, Operations Director of FTSUK, said:

“Forestry offers people the chance to build rewarding careers while contributing to something much bigger, from creating resilient forests to supporting the rural economy and helping meet environmental goals. What has been most inspiring about this programme is seeing participants grow in confidence, discover where their interests lie and begin to find their place within the sector. The enthusiasm shown by both participants and employers demonstrates just how much opportunity exists within modern forestry.”

Participants spoke positively about both the skills they gained and the people they met along the way.

“As a new entrant I feel prepared and experienced enough to enter forestry and be confident from the start.” said Jay from Dumfries and Galloway

Jenna from Central Scotland added:

“My main takeaway is how interesting and passionate all of the professionals we have met are about each area of the sector. This has ignited my determination to find my own niche in the sector, be an advocate for women in forestry and learn and carry out sustainable forestry wherever I can.”

Murray Aitchison, Asset Manager at Foresight, commented:

“Through this programme, we’ve seen how targeted investment in skills training can help open doors for people from a wide range of backgrounds and create pathways into forestry careers. We’re proud to have supported an initiative that is helping participants to progress into employment and further education; building the next generation of forestry professionals.”

Davy McCracken, Deputy Head of SRUC’s School of Natural & Social Science, emphasised:

“By delivering practical, industry-led training at SRUC’s Barony Campus we’ve helped a cohort of new entrants gain the core skills, confidence and industry connections they need to step straight into forestry roles. It’s a clear demonstration of how targeted collaboration can address skills shortages while supporting the integrated land-use that Scotland’s rural economy requires.”

Following the success of the programme, FTSUK is exploring opportunities to repeat the programme in southwest Scotland and work with partners to expand delivery and create more pathways for people to enter forestry careers across the UK.