Trees and Timber
Modern Apprenticeship
What's Trees and Timber like?
Do you love nature and want to play a key role in protecting one of Scotland’s most valuable renewable resources? This apprenticeship teaches the necessary skills for success in the trees and timber industry.
The sector covers:
forest and woodland management
environmental research
conservation training
a wide range of other roles that safeguard and preserve Scotland’s forests
You’ll develop a deep understanding of forestry protection and management techniques. In addition, you can work in areas of outstanding natural beauty across the length and breadth of Scotland.
Whether you’re looking to work as a forester or educate others about our natural world, there's a wide range of opportunities available. Protect delicate woodland ecosystems as a forest supervisor. Revitalise damaged industrial land as a community forester. Ensure sustainable development as an arboriculture surveyor.
However you see your career in this industry progressing, this apprenticeship is designed to equip you with the long-term skills that employers need in this sector.
You'll gain a Modern Apprenticeship at SCQF Level 5 or Level 6.
> SCQF qualification levels explained
Your qualification includes:
Trees and Timber at SCQF Level 5
Trees and Timber at SCQF Level 6
During your apprenticeship, you could learn how to:
identify tree species and potential tree diseases or disorders
protect woodland areas through pest control and vegetation management
prepare forest sites for reforestation
carry out tree maintenance using power tools
harvest wood fuel from coppices
construct paths, access points and boundaries
seed, irrigate and protect new areas of forest
You will also develop essential core skills including:
communication
information technology (IT) skills
problem-solving
numeracy
teamwork
These skills are transferable to jobs in many vital Scottish industries, such as:
agriculture
manufacturing
construction
There are many options available to you after completing this Modern Apprenticeship. You can continue your studies in Higher Education or begin work with the skills gained during your apprenticeship.
Further education: Pursue Higher Education courses to develop your knowledge of the industry further. You could begin Higher Education study in relevant courses such as:
Arboriculture
Forest Sciences
Conservation and Forest Ecosystems
Sustainable Forest Management
You'd likely enter a course at Higher National Certificate level with the opportunity to progress onto Higher National Diplomas, degrees or postgraduate qualifications.
Straight to work: Use your Trees and Timber Modern Apprenticeship qualification to start work in the industry after graduation. Jobs could include:
ground worker
climber
tree preservation officer
community forester
woodland manager
forest supervisor
arboricultural surveyor
Entry requirements
There are no formal education requirements to begin this apprenticeship at SCQF Level 5. You can improve your chances of a successful application by showing an enthusiasm for the industry and a desire to learn the broad range of skills necessary to complete the course.
If you apply at SCQF Level 6, you should have:
previous work experience placements
a relevant qualification, such as the SCQF Level 5 Modern Apprenticeship in Trees and Timber
How does it work?
You’ll learn in a real-world environment and earn a wage. You’ll also study with a college or another learning provider.
How long will it take?
This Modern Apprenticeship will take 12 months to complete at SCQF Level 5 and 18 months to complete at SCQF Level 6.
How to apply
Use the 'Find vacancies near you' search at the end of this page to look for vacancies, then you can apply online.
You'll apply on Apprenticeships.scot or the company’s own website – there are details on the vacancy advert.