National careers week (3-8 March 2025) is the perfect opportunity to introduce your students to the exciting and diverse jobs within the forestry sector. Forestry is often associated with tree growing and timber production, but it offers much more – including roles in recreation, wildlife, and communications. This dynamic industry plays a key role in supporting the economy, protecting nature, and tackling climate change whilst also embracing cutting-edge technology. Read on for guidance on how you can help young people explore career opportunities in forestry while also supporting Gatsby Benchmarks 2 and 5.
Introducing different jobs at Forestry England
We’re the largest landowner in England and manage over 1,500 woods and forests sustainably. We use our scale and expertise to grow and care for the nation’s forests and invite the next generation to join us to help make a positive difference for people and the environment.
With the government’s goal of creating two million jobs in the green economy by 2030 and achieving net zero by 2050, the expansion of woodlands across England is more important than ever. That’s why now is the ideal time to inspire young people to explore careers in forestry.
Working with wildlife
We have passionate teams across the country working on projects such as peatland restoration, species reintroductions (including beavers, pine martens and white-tailed eagles) and landscape-scale wilding projects. Many of these have specialist project officers that work alongside our ecologists, wildlife rangers and foresters.
Working with trees
We grow sustainable timber that requires careful planning, based on evidence and research. We have roles that are involved in the full forest lifecycle, from collecting seeds to growing saplings at our nurseries, and then planting and harvesting trees when the time is right.
Our expert foresters and forest planners work closely with our colleagues at Forest Research, a world leader in forestry and tree related research. Together, we make sure the right tree species are planted in the right locations, thinking ahead to predicted future climate conditions so our forests stay strong and healthy for years to come.
Working with cutting edge technology
The forestry sector is constantly researching and testing new management approaches and embracing new technology to work smarter and safer, including LiDAR (light detection and ranging), drones, and environmental DNA.
Would your students make great drone operators? Or maybe they’re up to the challenge of working with border control to help reduce the import of tree pests and diseases?
Working with people
We welcome 285 million visits to the nation's forests each year, thanks to a dedicated and skilled team working behind the scenes and on the ground. From ensuring visitor safety and supporting recreational activities to organising marketing campaigns and designing signage, forestry offers a wide range of roles beyond forest management.
There are exciting paths in marketing, communications, graphic design, finance, and more; perfect for those who want to contribute to a dynamic and impactful organisation but don’t necessarily want to work out in the forest.
More about job roles at Forestry England
The Forestry Workforce Research Report in 2021 suggested that there will be a shortfall in the forestry workforce in England by 2050. This means now is the time to showcase the sector to your students, sharing the wide range of opportunities available.
For more examples of job roles at Forestry England and to support your young people to delve a bit deeper into the types of qualifications and skills required, head to our early careers hub.
How to prepare for a career in forestry
With so many exciting roles appearing in the forestry sector it can be hard to know where to start. What subjects are best to study, what courses and qualifications are available and how can you gain vital experience? Here are a few ways to help young people considering their first steps into the sector:
- This forestry induction pack provides an introduction to the sector and details options for training and study.
- Explore what GCSE and A-levels subjects to select.
- Two infographics that summarise different career routes and pathways into forestry roles.
- The range of courses on offer to further qualifications and experience.
- Earn as you learn with our apprenticeship programme to become a forest craftsperson.
- Volunteer to gain new experiences and skills, through programmes such as our shadow volunteers scheme.
For individual career advice, students can contact the Royal Forestry Society.
A virtual forestry work experience
Are you ready to step into the exciting world of forestry? Complete eight modules at your own pace to explore a diverse range of careers. Hear from industry experts and uncover the practises that keep our forests healthy and thriving.
Career materials for your school
Enhance your careers advice with these engaging resources designed to inspire young people about forestry careers.
- Routes into forestry careers - an infographic explaining the options available for a future role in forestry.
- Posters - perfect for your science or geography students.
- Career postcards - ideal for creating a career in forestry display.
If you would like a set of career postcards to display at your school or college please contact learning.england@forestryengland.uk.
