Apprentice Forest Craftsperson
Employer: Forestry England
Job Reference: forestryengland/TP/30173/780
Number of Positions: 3
Salary: £24,525 per annum
Contract: Fixed-term appointment until 30 September 2028
Working Hours: 37 hours per week
Location: Grizedale Forest & Peil Wyke
Region: North
Job Category: Land Management
Closing Date: 15 September 2026 at 23:58
Job Overview
Forestry England is recruiting 3 Apprentice Forest Craftspersons to join its teams in the North.
This apprenticeship offers an opportunity to gain practical experience working alongside experienced forest craftspeople and beat teams while completing a structured training programme.
Successful apprentices will contribute to practical forestry operations, including creating, maintaining and harvesting forests, while working towards the Level 3 Forest Craftsperson Apprenticeship.
The fixed-term appointment runs until 30 September 2028, with the possibility of an extension or permanent employment.
What You’ll Do
As an Apprentice Forest Craftsperson, you will:
- Work alongside experienced forest craftspeople and beat teams.
- Gain practical experience in forestry operations.
- Follow a structured training and development programme.
- Assist with creating and maintaining forests.
- Contribute to forest harvesting operations.
- Develop practical skills relevant to the UK timber industry.
- Work towards the Level 3 Forest Craftsperson Apprenticeship.
- Obtain the necessary training, qualifications and awards required for the role.
Where You’ll Work
There are 3 positions available:
- 2 positions: Grizedale Forest, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0QJ.
- 1 position: Peil Wyke, Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, CA13 9YG.
One of the Grizedale positions will be within the recreation team, providing experience in maintaining recreation facilities alongside the apprenticeship.
Applicants should specify on their application which site they would like to be considered for.
Salary and Benefits
The salary is £24,525 per annum as listed in the vacancy details.
Forestry England also provides a range of benefits, including:
- Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension Scheme.
- Employer pension contribution averaging 28.97%.
- 25 days’ annual leave, increasing by one day each year up to 30 days.
- Additional days off, including bank holidays.
- Employee discounts through the STaR benefits scheme.
- Discounts on supermarkets, hotels, clothing, mobile phones, electrical items and more.
- Discounts on medical and car insurance.
- Holiday and gym discounts.
- Access to the Headspace wellbeing app.
- Free parking at Forestry England sites.
- Free entry to the National Arboretums at Westonbirt and Bedgebury.
- Career development and continual professional development opportunities.
- Support for individual learning plans.
- Sponsored membership of professional bodies.
Apprenticeship and Development
The successful candidates will receive practical training and development while working towards the Level 3 Forest Craftsperson Apprenticeship.
The role is designed to provide hands-on experience and professional development within forestry and land management.
Application Requirements
Applications must be submitted through the Forestry England recruitment system.
Applications by email will not be accepted.
CVs and personal statements sent outside the recruitment system will not be considered for shortlisting.
Applicants will be asked to provide:
- A 200-word statement outlining relevant experience and career history.
- A personal statement of no more than 500 words.
Both statements will be assessed during the initial sift.
Further instructions and information about the application process will be provided on the application form.
Interview and Selection Process
The behaviours assessed at interview include:
- Working Together
- Developing Self and Others
- Delivering at Pace
Candidates may also be assessed against:
- Experience
- Strength-based questions
- Technical Success Profile
The technical assessment may include a:
- Presentation
- Practical task
- Written task
Successful candidates will be required to undergo a criminal record check and the Government Baseline Personnel Security Standard check.
Nationality and Eligibility
Forestry England is part of the Civil Service, so Civil Service nationality requirements apply.
Applicants should check the applicable nationality requirements before applying.
The vacancy also states that applicants must have the ability to provide conversation in accurate spoken English in accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016.
Sponsorship / Visa Information
Visa sponsorship is not stated in the vacancy information provided.
Applicants who require UK visa sponsorship should independently confirm their eligibility and whether Forestry England can sponsor this particular apprenticeship before applying.
AI and Applications
If you intend to use AI to support your application, Forestry England advises applicants to read its AI and recruitment guidelines before doing so.
Applications should accurately represent your own skills, experience and suitability for the position.
Closing Date
15 September 2026 at 23:58
Applications should be submitted before the stated deadline.
How to Apply
To apply, use the official Forestry England recruitment system and search for:
Apprentice Forest Craftsperson
Job Reference: forestryengland/TP/30173/780
Important Information
Forestry England is committed to fair and open recruitment based on merit.
The organisation also participates in initiatives including the Disability Confident Scheme, Great Place to Work for Veterans and Prison Leaver Recruitment.
Reasonable adjustments are available for candidates who require them during the recruitment process.