Cambridge University graduate working in Lairg is one of 40 Forestry and Land Scotland apprentices, with more needed to help restore Scotland's woodlands devastated by storms
After the devastating effects of this winter’s storms and in a bid to restore Scotland’s woodland, Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) is calling on people to consider a career in forestry though their modern apprenticeship programme.
The huge clearance effort requires a bigger workforce, and so FLS is currently recruiting for a number of apprenticeship roles, with the opportunity to learn and develop new skills.
Whether it’s the beginning of a career journey or a job change, FLS wants to hear from individuals with a passion for learning and a keen interest in forestry and conservation.
FLS currently has 40 apprentices studying and working in a variety of different roles ranging from trees and timber and conservation to accountancy. The modern apprenticeship scheme works in collaboration with colleges and universities across the country, including the University of the Highlands and Islands.
One apprentice, Eilidh Thompson (24), began her journey into forestry in February 2021 after completing her Master’s Degree in Medieval Literature at Cambridge University. Now based over 500 miles away in Lairg, Eilidh is currently completing her SVQ Level 3 in trees and timber.
She said: “Whilst studying for my master’s degree, I was fortunate enough to travel to Iceland on a conservation project. I left feeling inspired and curious to find out more. That’s when I found out about the Forestry and Land Scotland and made the life-changing decision to move over 500 miles to Lairg.
“So far, the apprenticeship course has covered many hands-on topics, including tree planting and environmental restoration. After Storm Arwen in December , I was also part of the emergency response team helping to clear unsafe fallen trees from public sites around Lairg.”
Eilidh adds: “Looking ahead, I hope to further my skills in decision making to plan Scotland’s forests of the future.
“No one day is the same during the apprenticeship, and every day I am learning more about different aspects of forestry. If you love the outdoors and are passionate about climate change, the FLS modern apprenticeship scheme might just be the next step in your career journey.”
To find out more about the FLS modern apprenticeship programme, visit: www.forestryandland.gov.scot/jobs