Skills driving job opportunities for future foresters
11 October 2019The 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 required to land a first job; to help employers optimise advances in technology; to move up the careers ladder or to take advantage of emerging opportunities.
“Forestry is increasingly recognised as a major contributor to climate change mitigation,” said Simon Lloyd, RFS chief executive. “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,” he continued.
“Our thanks to sponsors Forestry Commission, Sorbus International, Forestry Commission and City and Guilds and to Shuttleworth College for helping make this happen and to exhibitors for helping inspire the next generation of those who will be tasked with caring for our woodland.”
