Growing the Next Generation of Forestry Professionals in the South of Scotland

A new opportunity is taking root in the South of Scotland, opening the door for people who want to build a career in one of the region’s most important industries.

Forestry Training Services UK (FTSUK) has launched a fully funded Forestry New Entrant Programme, funded by Foresight and delivered in partnership with SRUC Barony. The 4 week course is designed to help people take their first steps into forestry and wood processing. Whether participants are leaving education, career changers, or simply looking for a fresh challenge, the programme offers practical experience, recognised qualifications and direct connections to employers actively seeking new talent. 

The programme builds on the success of similar new entrant initiatives delivered elsewhere in Scotland, including the Forestry Operations New Entrants Programme at the UHI Scottish School of Forestry. That industry-backed programme was recognised nationally when it won Confor’s Building Industry Resilience Award, celebrating projects that are helping futureproof the forestry sector through innovation, education and collaboration. Supported by industry investment and employer partnerships, it has demonstrated how targeted training can successfully attract new people into forestry careers and address critical skills shortages.

Now, thanks to Foresight and the support of local businesses, FTSUK is bringing that same ambition to the South of Scotland, helping create a pipeline of skilled workers for one of the UK’s most important forestry regions.

FTSUK was established by Confor, with financial support from major forestry and wood-processing businesses alongside public forestry bodies, to strengthen technical skills and workforce development across the sector. Its first national technical training hub has been created at SRUC Barony in Dumfries and Galloway, strategically located at the heart of a thriving forestry region serving both the South of Scotland and the North of England. 

Developed by FTSUK in partnership with Foresight and SRUC Barony, the New Entrants programme is designed to provide a genuine pathway into employment. Twelve participants were selected for Phase I, where they learned about forest establishment, maintenance and operations. They gained a broad introduction to the sector through practical training, visits and hands-on learning including tree science, tree ID, planting and Emergency First Aid at Work + Forestry 

Participants came from all over the UK as well as some local to Dumfries and Galloway. They were all committed, enthusiastic and showed great potential. For those with the desire and ambitions to access entry level forestry roles, the journey will not end there. Six of the participants now have the opportunity to progress to Phase II, an intensive follow-on programme that will build on the skills, knowledge and industry connections developed during the first stage working towards industry-recognised qualifications including brushcutter, pesticide and ATV certifications. Site visits to harvesting operations, forwarding sites and sawmills will provide a real insight into the sector and the career opportunities it offers. 

Melanie McEwen, Operations Director of FTSUK, said:

“The South of Scotland is home to some of the most significant forestry operations in the UK. Offering a New Entrant Programme here allows us to connect new talent directly with employers who are ready to invest in the next generation of skilled workers.” 

The programme was open to anyone aged 18 or over and resident in the UK. No previous forestry experience is required, and applicants from all backgrounds were encouraged to apply.

What Participants Said

“The course was great and provided more information than I was expecting from a new entrant programme.”

“The knowledge and experience gained from the course has given me the confidence to move forward into further training and eventually work in forestry.”

“The course content was excellent and over the six days I came away with so much more knowledge.”

These are exactly the kinds of outcomes this South of Scotland programme aims to achieve, helping people develop skills, gain recognised qualifications and take their first steps into rewarding careers in forestry.