At a Glance
- Tasks: Gain hands-on experience in forest management and craft essential skills outdoors.
- Company: Join Forestry England, a passionate team dedicated to preserving and enhancing our forests.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday, pension contributions, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Work in the stunning Thetford Forest with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on the environment while developing your career in a unique setting.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; just bring your motivation and willingness to learn.
The predicted salary is between 24492 - 24492 £ per year.
We are Forestry England. We live and breathe forests. Join us. We're foresters, professionals and experts. We are a passionate team who love to share our enthusiasm and want to make a positive difference for you and the environment. Together, we’re using our scale and expertise to grow the nation’s forests for everyone. We’re already adapting our landscapes for tomorrow, and getting stuff done today, like creating amazing places and experiences for you to enjoy. We're providing vital homes for wildlife, making our air cleaner to breathe and producing sustainable timber.
This apprenticeship offers an exciting opportunity to gain practical skills working in a forest environment. You will undertake a range of forest management operations such as timber mensuration, fencing, planting, weeding, pruning, tree felling and maintaining gateways. You’ll need self-motivation and personal resilience to complete these sometimes-repetitive manual tasks outdoors in all weathers. You will work in remote locations, sometimes independently and sometimes as a member of a small team. You’ll need to be organised, and able to follow verbal and written instructions so that work is delivered to the desired standard in a safe and timely way.
You will undertake the Forest Operative Level 3 apprenticeship and will be trained to obtain awards in:
- Emergency first aid at work (+F)
- Safe handling and application of pesticides
- Safe use of brush-cutters and strimmers
- Forestry clearing saw
- Chainsaw maintenance
- Crosscutting timber using a chainsaw
- Felling and processing trees up to 380mm
May include additional training for tractor-based operations if needed locally.
Where you’ll work: East England Forest District (EEFD), with over 150 directly employed staff, covers an area of 35,000 ha from North Norfolk to Brighton; including Thetford Forest and the outlying beats of Sandlings, Kent, East Sussex, Chilterns and Thames Chase. The apprentice roles will be based in Thetford Forest which is the largest lowland pine forest in the UK. Thetford Forest is comprised of four beat teams. Each forest beat area is managed by a local team comprising a Forester, Work Supervisor, Forest Craftspeople. They are supported by locally based Wildlife Rangers and Community/Recreation Rangers.
We are offering apprentice craftsperson roles in Thetford Forest to work alongside our existing craftsperson and beat teams to gain practical experience whilst following a structured training programme. Alongside your salary, Forestry England contributes an average of 28.97% towards your pension. You will become a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension Scheme. 25 days holiday a year, raising by one day every year’s service, up to 30 days (pro-rated for part time employees) plus additional days off such as bank holidays.
STaRis our employee benefits scheme offering discounts on everyday supermarket shopping, as well as other things such as hotel stays, clothes, mobile phones, other electrical items, medical and car insurance, holidays, gym discounts, household bills, Headspace wellbeing app, free parking at Forestry England sites and free entry to our National Arboretums at Westonbirt and Bedgebury.
A commitment to lifelong learning through career development. Forestry England will support your career development in a variety of ways, including continual professional development, support for individual learning plans and sponsored membership of professional bodies.
We cannot accept applications via email. Please follow the steps outlined below. Any CVs and/or personal statements sent outside the system will not be considered for shortlisting. You will be asked to write a 200 word statement on your relevant experience and career history, along with a personal statement of no more than 500 words. You will be assessed on both during sifting. More details about how to apply are listed on the application form. You may also be assessed on Experience, Strength based questions, and/or the Technical Success Profile at the interview. The technical element could include a presentation, practical or written task.
Working for the Civil Service… Forestry England is part of the Civil Service. The Civil Service has a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS). This means candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria during the application process will be guaranteed an interview. We also offer a Redeployment Interview Scheme to current civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the role. This role is also part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans and Prison Leaver Recruitment initiative.
Thetford Forest Apprentice Craftsperson employer: Forestry England
Forestry England is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises health and well-being while fostering a deep connection with nature. As a Forest Wellness & Activity Coordinator, you will benefit from a generous holiday allowance, pension contributions, and opportunities for professional growth within a supportive team dedicated to lifelong learning.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Thetford Forest Apprentice Craftsperson
✨Get Hands-On Experience
Apprenticeships in agriculture are all about practical skills, so jump at any chance to volunteer or get involved on local farms. Attend open days or agricultural shows in your area to meet professionals and learn hands-on techniques—it's a fantastic way to show your enthusiasm and learn about what different roles entail.
✨Join Agricultural Communities
Look for local farming or agricultural clubs and networks, as these are great for meeting like-minded people and industry veterans. Platforms like Facebook often have groups dedicated to agriculture where you can ask questions and seek guidance—plus, they might have job leads specifically for apprenticeships.
✨Take Initiative with Local Farms
Don't wait for job postings—reach out directly to farms in your area. Offer to help with seasonal tasks or internships, and when the time comes for them to take on apprentices, they might remember your initiative and commitment. Personal connections can make all the difference in securing that apprenticeship.
✨Apply Directly through Forestry England
When you're ready to apply, head over to our website to see any apprenticeship opportunities with Forestry England. Our application process is straightforward, and showing your interest by applying directly is a great way to stand out—plus, you might just land that apprenticeship to kick-start your career in agriculture!
We think you need these skills to ace Thetford Forest Apprentice Craftsperson
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Agriculture:When applying for an apprenticeship in agriculture, let your enthusiasm shine through! Talk about any farming experiences, courses you've taken, or projects you’ve been involved in that got you excited about this field. Don't hold back on what drives you – genuine passion can make you stand out.
Highlight Relevant Skills and Studies:Make sure to emphasise any relevant skills or knowledge from your studies that relate to agriculture. This could include anything from understanding crop cycles to machinery operation. If you've got any practical skills, like operating farm equipment or conducting soil tests, be sure to mention those, as they’ll show you're ready to dive into hands-on learning.
Tailor Your CV to Agriculture:Your CV should reflect your journey in agriculture so far. Include any specific coursework, projects, or volunteer work related to farming or environmental science. We love seeing a tailored CV that speaks to the apprenticeship role, so ensure it demonstrates your eagerness to learn and grow in this field.
Be Clear About Your Learning Goals:In your cover letter, take some time to outline what you hope to learn through this apprenticeship. Being specific about your goals will show Forestry England that you’re committed to your personal development and that you’ve put thought into how this opportunity fits into your career plans. Let’s make sure they know you’re ready to soak up all the knowledge you can!
How to prepare for a job interview at Forestry England
✨Know Your Crops
Brush up on the specific crops or livestock relevant to the apprenticeship at Forestry England. Understanding their growing cycles, care requirements, and common challenges can really impress your interviewers. Consider bringing up any personal experiences or coursework related to agriculture that highlights your knowledge!
✨Hands-On Experience Matters
Since this is an apprenticeship, they’ll likely be interested in your practical skills. Be prepared to discuss any previous work you've done in agriculture or related fields. If you’ve participated in farm volunteer work or projects, make sure to highlight that experience to show your dedication and foundational skills.
✨Ask About the Tools
Don't shy away from asking questions about the tools and technologies used at Forestry England. Familiarity with common agricultural tools and practices can set you apart from others, so ask about the equipment they use and express your interest in learning to use them effectively during your apprenticeship.
✨Show Your Passion for Learning
As you’re vying for an apprenticeship, demonstrating your eagerness to learn is key. Share your motivation for wanting to get into agriculture, whether it's a family background, school projects, or just a love for the outdoors. Letting your enthusiasm shine through will make you memorable in the selection process!
