Something the forestry industry has been all too aware of for a good number of years. There is an aging demographic in staff engaged in the industry and it is clear that there will be a shortfall in candidates to fill roles that are going to be left vacant, not to mention any additional roles that may arise. There needs to be a concerted effort to inform the younger population that it can be a rewarding and worthwhile career with good prospects.
Pippa Knight
8mo
Are these finding for those at the site supervisor/ manager level, or people actually on the ground: chainsaw, choker, harvester, forwarder etc or both? The apprenticeship course sounds good. I did a HND in countryside management (only 2 years as then changed to agri) we were taught how to do a directional fell with a bow saw, coppice and lay hedges, and theory of managing woodlands. However, I actively searched out the course it wasn’t offered as an option at year 10/11 and sixth form careers advisor session. It does need to be offered during career fairs at school and be made more away to career advisors, especially the manual jobs.
Program Manager at Plumpton College
8moI would love to discuss further as the Progam manager for Plumpton College that offers the L3 Forestry Apprenticeship