Professional forester (integrated degree)
Level 6 · DegreeAgriculture, environmental and animal care 3 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
This Level 6 integrated degree apprenticeship qualifies you as a professional forester with the scientific and practical knowledge to manage forests and woodlands sustainably for timber, biodiversity, and public benefit. You will plan and implement forestry operations, manage contractors, and contribute to woodland creation and management projects. It can lead to forest manager, woodland officer, or forestry consultant roles in the private, public, and charity sectors.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Silviculture and the science of growing and managing trees and forests
Forest ecology, biodiversity, and ecosystem services of woodlands
Woodland creation, restocking, and forest design planning
Timber production, harvesting systems, and forest operations management
Forest policy, grant schemes, and the regulatory framework for forestry in England
GIS, remote sensing, and digital tools for forest mapping and management planning
Business and financial management for forestry enterprises
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Plan and oversee woodland creation, planting, and establishment works
Develop and implement forest management plans for assigned sites
Manage forestry contractors and supervise harvesting and silvicultural operations
Monitor forest health, pest and disease threats, and deer management
Apply for and administer woodland grants and felling licences
Use GIS tools to map woodland resources and plan operations
Engage with landowners, communities, and stakeholders on forestry projects
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 6 (Degree) - roughly Bachelor’s-degree level. Usually needs A-levels or a Level 3 qualification (employers set UCAS-point targets). You earn a full degree while you work - with no tuition fees to pay.
What’s next: Leads into professional roles, sometimes with a Level 7 (Master’s) apprenticeship after.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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