Apprenticeship scheme

 

The New Forest apprenticeship scheme funded the training of six young people in the practical skills required to manage the New Forest’s landscape. The scheme was 50% funded through European funding, Leader +, with further a 50% support by the South East Development Agency.

From April 2004 until April 2008 the Forestry Commission embarked on a two-year training scheme in partnership with the National Trust and Sparsholt College taking on two apprentices in each two year period. Each apprentice received training in all of the key skills ranging from timber harvesting and tree establishment through to management of the open heathland and the forest recreation infrastructure. Whilst formal training courses gave the apprentices the basic skills, this was further developed by working alongside experienced staff who are able to pass on their considerable knowledge whilst working on the job.

With the forest and environmental land management sector nationally struggling to encourage young people to gain the skills required within the industry this scheme has proven to be instrumental in providing these six young people with future long term employment.