The Forestry Commission annually invites applications from Students currently studying a Forestry or environment related subject for the opportunity to obtain work experience within a forest environment.
Each placement lasts 51 weeks and will be spent working alongside and supporting forest managers. You will have the opportunity to work in various areas of commercial forestry including Harvesting & Marketing, Forest Management, Protection, Recreation, Forest Planning and Conservation. You will also have the chance to apply knowledge gained at University or College in a practical forest environment. Various training events will be delivered to support you carrying out the role, these will include Risk assessment, Manual handling, Site, Safety & Management and others at the discretion of the host cost centre.
Students find they get as much out of this experience as they are prepared to put into the partnership - it's very much a two way process.
Placements are salaried (currently £15,049 per annum paid monthly less deduction for income tax and National Insurance), you will also receive 25 days paid annual leave and the sponsoring unit will cover the cost of your essential training, travel and subsistence. Accommodation, day to day living expenses and travel to and from your placement will have to be covered by you, however, most sponsors are aware of local, reasonably priced accommodation and will be able to assist you in finding somewhere to stay.
As forests districts cover large areas often not serviced by public transport, a current driving licence will be essential. You must ensure that you have your licence and have accumulated at least 6 months driving experience before the placement commences. If you cannot satisfy this criteria unfortunately you will not be invited for interview.
The 2013 intake is now closed. Details of our 2014 intake will be available in December.