At a Glance
- Tasks: Gain hands-on experience in forest management while working with skilled craftspeople.
- Company: Join Forestry England, a part of the Civil Service, committed to sustainability.
- Benefits: Earn £24,525 per year, enjoy 25 days holiday, and access exclusive employee discounts.
- Other info: Enjoy free parking, entry to national arboretums, and lifelong learning opportunities.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in forestry with a structured apprenticeship and real-world impact.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed, just a passion for nature and teamwork.
The predicted salary is between 24525 - 24525 £ per year.
Salary: £24,525 per annum
Contract: Fixed Term Appointment, Ends September 2028
Hours: 37 hours per week
Location: Dalby Forest, England
Responsibilities
- Work alongside forest craftspeople and beat teams to gain practical experience while following a structured training programme.
- Contribute to practical operations creating, maintaining, and harvesting forests as part of the UK timber industry.
- Be trained to obtain the necessary training and awards to achieve the Level 3 Forest Craftsperson Apprenticeship.
Training & Support
- Structured apprenticeship training culminating in Level 3 Forest Craftsperson qualification.
Benefits
- £24,525 per annum salary.
- 28.97% pension contribution (Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension Scheme).
- 25 days holiday per year, increasing by one day per year of service, up to 30 days (pro‑rated for part‑time employees) plus bank holidays.
- Access to STaR employee benefits scheme (discounts on supermarket shopping, hotel stays, clothing, mobile phones, electrical items, insurance, holidays, gym, household bills, Headspace wellbeing app).
- Free parking at Forestry England sites and free entry to National Arboretums at Westonbirt and Bedgebury.
- Commitment to lifelong learning – career development support, professional development, individual learning plans, sponsored membership of professional bodies.
How to Apply
You will be asked to write a 200‑word statement on your relevant experience and a personal statement of no more than 500 words. You will be assessed during sifting and interview.
Interview behaviours assessed:
- Experience
- Technical expertise
- Working together
- Developing self and others
Successful candidates will undergo a criminal record check and the Government baseline personnel security standard check.
Nationality Requirements
Read more about nationality requirements here.
Working for the Civil Service
Forestry England is part of the Civil Service, with Disability Confident Scheme and Redeployment Interview Scheme. The role is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans and Prison Leaver Recruitment initiative. Applicants must be able to communicate in accurate spoken English.
Email for reasonable adjustments:
Apprentice Forest Craftsperson in Pickering employer: Westonbirt Arboretum - Forestry England
Westonbirt Arboretum, as part of Forestry England, is an exceptional employer that fosters a supportive and collaborative work culture focused on environmental stewardship. Employees benefit from hands-on training with experienced Craftspeople, opportunities for personal and professional growth, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in sustainable forestry practices within the beautiful surroundings of Micheldever.
Contact Details:
Westonbirt Arboretum - Forestry England Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice Forest Craftsperson in Pickering
✨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 Westonbirt Arboretum - Forestry England
When you're ready to apply, head over to our website to see any apprenticeship opportunities with Westonbirt Arboretum - 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 Apprentice Forest Craftsperson in Pickering
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 Westonbirt Arboretum - 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 Westonbirt Arboretum - Forestry England
✨Know Your Crops
Brush up on the specific crops or livestock relevant to the apprenticeship at Westonbirt Arboretum - 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 Westonbirt Arboretum - 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!
