ONE of the UK's leading forestry firms has reached a major milestone just seven years on from the launch of a graduate scheme. 

Around 50 per cent of the managers at Scottish Woodlands have successfully completed its Graduate Development Programme, which aims to develop the next generation of foresters in a real-world setting rather than replicating the learning outcomes of academic studies. 

Launched in 2017, it is now an Accredited Scheme through the Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF), and is currently on the hunt for its next batch of recruits for the 2024 edition. 

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Ian Robinson, managing director of Scottish Woodlands, said, “We have shown ourselves to be experts at growing trees and managing forests over many years - and now we are growing our own future managers and leaders. 

"Scottish Woodlands is growing as a business – along with the forestry industry more generally – and we need more skilled people in all areas of our business.

“We are delighted with the success of our graduate programme so far and I look forward to welcoming the new recruits as we continue to help graduates build sustainable careers in forestry – and secure the future of our own business by providing the best possible professional development opportunities for the brightest young talent.”

The company has taken on 59 graduate trainees since the start of the Scottish Woodlands Graduate Development Programme, which offers graduates experience of life as forest manager and a strong foundation for a future career in forestry, with a focus on technological advances such as digital mapping and remote sensing, mobile devices, and apps. 

Jemma McLachlan, assistant environment forest manager (graduate), joined the programme in September 2021. 

She said: “I was drawn to the Scottish Woodlands Graduate programme because of the high reputation of the company and the excellent career prospects and level of training provided. 

"Having obtained a degree in environmental science and sustainability, the opportunity to work in a sustainable and environmentally conscious industry which also helps Scotland achieve its environmental targets was highly appealing.

“The programme so far has been really interesting and enjoyable, and I have learned so much about the breadth of the modern forestry industry.”

The company employs more than 250 people in 19 different offices across Scotland as well as Northern England, Wales and Northern Ireland. A total of 13 graduates are in the process of completing their programme.

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The new recruits will have the opportunity to work in a variety of locations and learn about forest planning, new woodland creation, timber harvesting, grant applications, working with contractors, forestry finance and much more. In addition, they are joining a company 80 per cent owned by its employees.

“We are like a family business in many ways, but also at the forefront of new environmental and technological developments in the forestry and timber industry,” said Ian. “New graduate recruits know they can grow their careers with us - and then become part of the Scottish Woodlands story by taking a share in the business.”