MENTOR businesses are being sought to offer forestry trainees a six-month employment placement in Scotland. 

Five learners on the 2024 cohort of the forestry pre-apprenticeship scheme remain on the hunt for a place to develop their skills, particularly in Dumfries & Galloway, Argyll and Bute and the Scottish Borders.

Delivered in partnership by Ringlink, Scottish Forestry and Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), the initiative gives 16 to 21 year olds a first step into the sector, under the supervision of real forestry businesses that host them on placement.

Forestry management organisation RTS Forestry is an employer that recognises the importance of developing the next generation of forestry operatives. It mentored a pre-apprentice in 2023.

“[Trainee] Ryan joined us via the forestry pre-apprenticeship initiative in September 2023," Ruth Forrester, woodland manager at RTS Forestry, said. "He arrived ready to work thanks to the pre-start training that was provided. 

"It's encouraging to see individuals like Ryan who are eager to learn and contribute positively from the outset. 

"Offering him a full-time position as a Trainee Forest Craftsperson demonstrates both his capabilities and the company's commitment to nurturing talent within the forestry sector.”

The first cohort of forestry pre-apprentices successfully completed the programme last year and the five trainees have gone on to secure jobs within the sector.

How it works

Ringlink employs the pre-apprentice and manages all administration, arranging the initial training through SRUC, with funding administered by Skills Development Scotland.

The mentor business has a chance to interview the pre-apprentice to make sure that they are suitable and they are responsible for trainee wages in accordance with the Scottish Agricultural Wages board minimum rates for the six-month placement.

The pre-apprentice gains a training package worth around £1,500 which is tailored to forestry.

This includes the residential induction week, followed by bespoke short course training undertaken during the work placement.

For further information please contact Gail Robertson of Ringlink Scotland on 01561 377790 or at gail@ringlinkscotland.co.uk