forestry

Level 3 Forest Craftsperson Apprenticeship

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Forest Craftsperson Measures a Tree

Do you have a passion for our forests? With the Forest Craftsperson Level 3 Apprenticeship, you can learn how to create, maintain and harvest forests and woodlands so that they can be enjoyed for years to come. Read further on to find out how this Apprenticeship can kickstart your career in forestry!

Entry criteria for the Forest Craftsperson Level 3 Apprenticeship

Although normally set by the employer, the entry requirements for the Forest Craftsperson Level 3 Apprenticeship are likely GCSEs or equivalent qualifications. Often employers are looking for an enthusiastic apprentice who is the right fit for their organisation – this gives everyone the chance to succeed!

Job Opportunities After Completing Your Forest Craftsperson Level 3 Apprenticeship

The Forest Craftsperson Level 3 Apprenticeship will provide you with a range of forestry-related job opportunities. Below shows the range of jobs in the forestry industry that you could enter upon completing your apprenticeship qualification.

  • Chainsaw Operator
  • Forest Craftsperson
  • Recreation Ranger
  • Forest Worker
  • Tree Planter
  • Tree Establishment Operative or Contractor
  • Forest Operative
  • Wildlife Ranger

With industry salaries for an entry position of £19,000 per annum reaching around £30,000 per annum for an experienced position, a job in the forestry industry can be a fantastic career choice for those with a passion for the role!

Find out more about forestry career opportunities!

Day-To-Day Responsibilities of a Forest Craftsperson Apprentice

This Level 3 Apprenticeship will equip you with the skills to carry out the practical operations to create, maintain and harvest forests and woodlands. You will learn the full range of forestry operations as well as the environmental, social, and commercial impacts of forestry.

Employers in the forestry industry tend to specialise in either establishment and maintenance of forests and woodlands, or the harvesting of forests and woodlands.

As a Forest Craftsperson Apprentice, you often be working with minimal supervision and meeting deadlines on your own. You will be responsible for completing work to specification and quality requirements accordance with legislation, environmental, health, safety and welfare considerations.

Forest Craftsperson Inspects a Sapling

Forest Craftsperson Level 3: Your Duties

As part of the Occupational Standard, the apprentice will be expected to:

  • Implement legislation, guidance and policies
  • Plant trees
  • Clear vegetation
  • Measure and select trees for removal
  • Fell trees
  • Maintain the forest infrastructure
  • Operate tools, equipment and machinery
  • Monitor and control pests, diseases and disorders
  • Maintain digital records and reports
  • Communicate with a range of stakeholders
  • Use geographical tools such as GPS, maps and plans

An apprentice specialising in Establishment and Maintenance will be expected to:

  • Manage vegetation (i.e. pruning)
  • Maintain trees (i.e. weeding and respacing)

An apprentice specialising in Harvesting will be expected to:

  • Harvest tree and prepare for timber extraction
  • Extract timber

Forest Craftsperson Level 3 Assessment Methods

To demonstrate your competency as a Forest Craftsperson Apprentice, you will be required to complete a number of assessments throughout your Level 3 apprenticeship to achieve your qualification. These include:

  • Practical assessment with questions
  • Multiple-choice test
  • Professional discussion underpinned by portfolio of evidence
  • End-point assessment (EPA)

To find out more information on preparing for your End-Point Assessment, please check out our EPA interview guide!

Conclusion

As shown, the Forest Craftsperson Level 3 Apprenticeship is a fantastic qualification for anyone looking to enter into the forestry industry. The apprenticeship will equip you with a brilliant skillset allowing you to confidently enter a wide range of disciplines within the forestry industry. Employers within the forestry industry are keen to recruit apprentices that have a passion for forests and woodlands and are eager to learn new skills.

If you would like to find out more about other apprenticeships within Agriculture, environmental and animal care, please click the link below!

Discover more apprenticeships now!

Land-Based Service Engineering Technician

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Agriculture Equipment

As a level 3 Land-Based Service Engineering Technician Apprentice, you will work outdoors and provide technical support and guidance for a variety of plant and equipment. You may work in industries such as agriculture, horticulture, forestry, and outdoor power. In this customer-facing role, you will use your own judgment to diagnose and fix complex problems in machinery, plant, and equipment. You may also mentor and supervise junior coworkers and give advice to customers on selecting machinery. Read on to find out more about this engineering apprenticeship.

Engineering Technician Entry Requirements

Employers set the selection criteria for their apprentices. This is usually 4 GCSEs at grade C or equivalent, including Maths, English, and Science. It is helpful to have a good understanding of Information and Communication Technology.

If you don’t have level 2 Maths and English, you’ll need to achieve this before taking the end-point assessment (EPA). If you already have a level 2 apprenticeship and meet the employer’s criteria, you may be able to complete the level 3 apprenticeship in a shorter timeframe.

The duration of the apprenticeship is typically between 36 and 48 months, with a review after 3 years. The specific title of the apprenticeship may vary depending on the industry, such as Agricultural Engineering Technician or Forestry Equipment Technician.

Be an engineering technician on agricultural plant

Engineering Technician Knowledge Requirements

Technicians will have a vast knowledge and understanding upon completion of the apprenticeship. This includes:

  • Completing a risk assessments.
  • Identifying, using and caring for diagnostics tools and equipment.
  • Interpreting wiring and hydraulic circuit diagrams.
  • Diagnosing and repairing complex technological systems
  • Recording and communicating information both manually and electronically, such as diagnostic data, machinery condition or repair proposals and quotes.
  • Accessing and interpreting data
  • Understanding the influence of operational conditions in the diagnosis and repair of technology.
  • Working professionally and engaging in continual professional development.

Engineering Technician Skill Requirements

Apprentices will learn the skills to do the following upon completion of the apprenticeship:

  • Be able to follow procedures and work safely.
  • Explain complex technical matters to customers.
  • Look professional as an individual and a team.
  • Install and handover machinery, plant and equipment.
  • Conduct advanced maintenance
  • Carry out diagnostic and repairs to manufacturers specification.
  • Compile technical reports.
  • Maintain both hydraulic and electronic equipment.
  • Minimise downtown through preventative maintenance.

Who Should You Be?

To succeed in the Land-Based Service Engineering Apprenticeship, you should have strong problem-solving skills and be logical. It’s important to have a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and a focus on delivering quality work. Safety is a top priority, and you should be responsible for yourself and others.

It’s helpful to be able to work independently, however, being a team player is also important. Good communication skills with your team and the ability to explain complex topics to customers are essential.

You should be adaptable and able to handle new situations and technology in different working environments. Finally, aligning with the company’s goals will help you contribute to profitability.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if this sounds interesting, then this could be the apprenticeship for you. Being able to get your teeth stuck into difficult technical problems and thinking on your feet, all whilst being on location with customers. Most importantly, you will be able to earn while you learn before ending the apprenticeship with a qualification and a great career.

For more detail, take a look at the Land-Based Service Engineering Technician assessment plan.

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Level 2 Land-Based Service Engineer Apprenticeship

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Male engineer in hard hat pointing

Are you one for getting your hands dirty whilst learning new skills? An apprenticeship as a Land-Based Service Engineer could be right for you. This could be your ideal entryway into a brand new career, or simply stepping up your current role to the next level. Whatever your approach, read on to find out more about this unique and exciting opportunity.

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Role description and entry requirements for engineers

Prior to diving in head first into a (potentially) new career, you should know what is required.

Land-Based Service Engineers will work of their own initiative on an employers premise under supervision of a senior technician. This one role contains a wide variety of tasks, including: preparation of new & second-hand equipment for sale, performing routine service and maintenance on said equipment, and conducting operation and systems testing. In reality, LBSE’s will be required to perform a wide range of duties. It’s a strict environment with the opportunity to develop useful knowledge, as well as learn the disciplines of safe working practice.

This may sound pretty heavy hitting right now, but this is a fantastic path to explore. Especially if you love the outdoors! Now let’s talk entry requirements. These are set by the employers but will typically include English and Maths GCSEs at a C/4 or equivalent. It is preferred that potential candidates also have a basic understanding of ICT, but this isn’t strictly necessary to begin with. Don’t panic if you haven’t got recent English and Maths certificates, however. There will be a chance to complete these before the end point assessment of the apprenticeship.

Occupational behaviours and knowledge of an engineer

As well as the entry requirements it’s vital that Land-Based Service Engineer apprentices adhere to a certain set of behaviours. This is to ensure success both in their role and in the overall company.

These behaviours include being:

  • Safety orientated – disciplined, responsible, risk-adverse.
  • Quality focused – logical, good listener, seeks opportunities to improve.
  • A strong communicator – open, honest, respectful.
  • A team player – considerate, pro-active, interactive with others.
  • Open to learn – reflective, adaptable, attentive.

These behaviours should be demonstrated in the day-to-day work environment. It is vital to adhere to them, not only for personal development, but also for safety reasons.

By the end of the apprenticeship, you will also have a decent bank of knowledge under your belt. It’s important that our apprentices understand how to operate within this working environment as well as how to do the job itself. This is to ensure the safety of workers, both during their apprenticeship and after.

This is a unique aspect of practical apprenticeships such as this one.

Knowledge requirements include:

  • How to comply with Health & Safety at Work Act.
  • How to comply with Manual Handling regulations and the abrasive wheel regulations.
  • Learning workplace procedures, such as the chain of command and company staff handbook.
  • How to record information.
  • Workshop best practices, such as tool identification and storage.
  • Knowing the methods of thermally and chemically joining metals and components.
  • Learning the operating principles of certain machinery.
  • Interpreting and accessing technical data relating to machinery and equipment.
  • Handing over machinery, plant and equipment to the control of another.
  • A good grasp on emergency first aid.

Again, it sounds like a lot to begin with! But it certainly will be worth it by the time you reach your end point assessment.

Two farm vehicles collect crops in the middle of a field.

What you will learn as a Land-Based Service Engineer

Speaking of end point assessment, by the time you get there you will have a wealth of knowledge at your disposal. All things you will be able to take with you into the wider working world. Below are a list of the key things you will learn on this apprenticeship:

  • Select and apply appropriate tools and equipment.
  • Demonstrate dexterity, resourcefulness, and a professional approach.
  • Maintain and conduct basic repairs and maintenance activities under supervision.
  • Thermally and chemically join metals and materials.
  • Access and interpret technical data relating to service and maintenance operations.
  • Communicate well with customers and colleagues, written and oral.
  • Expressing technical information in clear concise terms whilst demonstrating customer care principles.
  • Work efficiently both under supervision, individually and as a team member.
  • Demonstrate a logical, safe and systematic approach to work practices.
  • Carry out operational tests on low technology plant, equipment and machinery.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a unique, hands-on apprenticeship, then a Level 2 Land-Based Service Engineer could be just the right one for you. The skills you will learn will open up a wide range of job opportunities within the Agriculture, Forestry and Horticulture sector. Some examples of this are Agricultural Service Engineer, Forestry Equipment Service Engineer, or an Outdoor Power Equipment Service Engineer. Employers are looking towards apprenticeships to accelerate their work force, and this opportunity could be just what you need to take your first steps within such a specialist industry.

For a more in depth look at this apprenticeship, you can read the brief full brief here.

Not feeling like the right fit? Why not take a look at Apprentice Tips full range of Engineering and Manufacturing Apprenticeships here.

Saving Nature One Tree at a Time: Become a Forest Operative apprentice

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Are you passionate about taking care of nature and want to improve our planet? Then a Forest Operative apprenticeship could be for you! Learn first hand in the industry and gain a new understanding on how nature works. Could it be for you?

Low angle image of a two large trees with long branches and green leaves. Sun is shining through the gaps.

What is a Forest Operative and what do they do for nature?

Forest Operatives are responsible of ensuring woodland and the environment are kept safe and healthy. The job role requires responsibility of managing forest areas and having clear knowledge of the specific care for different trees. Furthermore, they are vigilant and aware of safety measures when using machinery. Forest Operatives are willing to work in any weather conditions and take pride in their work.

There are two different specialisms in this job: harvesting or establishing and maintenance. Here is everything you need to know about the job and industry, see if its for you.

Job requirements:

Particularly due to the nature of the job, handling different types of machinery and working mainly outdoors, means there are a few qualifications needed. These include a Level 2 award in:

  •  Chainsaw Maintenance
  •  Cross-cutting timber with a chainsaw
  •  Felling and processing trees up to 380m

Also, A Level 3 award in emergency first aid is also an important requirement to work safely. In addition to that, a Level 1 English and Maths qualification is needed. Completing all these qualifications allows you to start your apprenticeship.

There are additional qualifications needed, based on which specialism you choose.

Establishment and Maintenance:

You will need Level 2 awards in:

  •  Principles of Safe Handling and Application of Pesticides Guidance
  • the Safe Application of Pesticides using Pedestrian Handheld Equipment
  • the safe use of brush-cutters and trimmers
  • safe use of forestry clearing saw

Harvesting:

You will need a Level 2 Award in:

  • felling and processing trees over 380m.
Image of a stack of chopped down tree trunks, with the bottom facing showing different sizes.

Core knowledge and skills required:

  • Having knowledge of the codes of practice when working in forestry
  • Aware of the various threats such as pests, for woodland species
  • Ability to identify tree species that are important in the UK
  • Basic measurement skills
  • Can use various tools and systems 
  • Good practice of health and safety for colleagues and the forestry
  • Can use various types of machinery safely and effectively
  • Able to follow pictorial instructions

It is important to understand the health and safety code of the forestry industry. This is to ensure there are no risks for people or the nature. Likewise, they must be aware and vigilant, particularly when using machinery. Additionally, working with trees requires accuracy and knowledge. Forest Operatives must be passionate about their job role. Another key point is they also must understand how to take care of the environment.

To work in nature, what qualities does a Forest Operative need?

Of course, Forest Operatives must be willing to work outdoors, in all weather and have stamina to work heavy duty tasks. The work is detailed, so passion, enthusiasm and a strong work ethic is needed.

It general tasks can vary, so the ability to work independently and in a team is required. To avoid risks for themselves and the environment, Forest Operatives need to be disciplined and self aware.

Becoming a Forest Operative Apprentice is incredibly rewarding, personally, and environmentally. There are great opportunities available to improve natures wellbeing and develop valuable skills. If you enjoy the outdoors and being physical, this could be a perfect fit. There is the chance to learn something you could never learn elsewhere, get educated on this industry that deserves to be known and celebrated!