The future is bright for the growing forestry sector – so heard more than 200 students from across the country at a unique Future Foresters Skills Day organised by the Royal Forestry Society and hosted at Shuttleworth College.
Speakers and exhibitors gathered to reveal the skills students require to land their first job, to help employers optimise advances in technology, to move up the careers ladder or to take advantage of emerging opportunities.
RFS Chief Executive Simon Lloyd said:
“Forestry is increasingly recognised as a major contributor to climate change mitigation. To grow trees on a scale being planned by the Government as well as adapting our existing woodland to climate change will require a very substantial up-skilling of the forestry sector.
We were delighted to see students from nine colleges and two universities, apprentices and young foresters come together to experience some of the latest in technology – from virtual reality chainsaws and forwarders to hands on climbing equipment and tree care.
Our thanks Shuttleworth College for helping make this happen and to exhibitors for inspiring the next generation of those who will be tasked with caring for our woodland.
Shuttleworth College student Celia Woodward is an Arborist Apprentice, studying at the college and working for Treelife Tree Surgeons in Hertfordshire. Celia was filmed by the RFS on the day about the event and her apprenticeship:
She commented: “This event was really helpful, we learned about new developments in root care and ways to prevent disease. I’ve always loved working outdoors and I’d recommend anyone to go for an apprenticeship, you never know what you are capable of.”
For more information on all the courses available at Shuttleworth College go to www.bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk
The Royal Forestry Society (RFS) is the largest and longest established educational charity promoting the wise management of trees and woods in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. For information go to www.rfs.org.uk.
