LEVEL 3 FOREST CRAFTSPERSON ST1321
This occupation is found in forestry and land management.
Course Summary

Course Information for Students
Who is this course for?
The broad purpose of the occupation is to carry out the practical operations required to create, maintain and harvest forests and woodlands. Most employers will specialise in either establishment and maintenance, or harvesting. Employees in both sub-sectors would be expected to be aware of the full range of forestry operations, and to understand the commercial, environmental and social impacts of forestry. Establishment and maintenance operatives will carry out the range of duties required to prepare the ground, plant trees and undertake ongoing maintenance, including weeding, beating up and pruning. Harvesting operatives will carry out the range of duties required to fell, process and extract trees and timber. This occupation works predominantly in either established forests, woodlands or on open land. They need to be able and willing to do practical work outdoors in all weathers. Forestry and woodland sites are often in remote locations and the ability to travel independently to access sites is advantageous.
In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with colleagues including land owners, team leaders or work supervisors, and forest craftspersons. They may need to communicate with members of the public and other land management operatives in the course of their work.
Length of programme
24 months prior to the End-point Assessment Gateway
Please see the Institute for Apprenticeship website for further information
Entry Requirements
- Some experience volunteering or working within the forestry sector
- Good work ethic
- Be in employment and be committed to your career
- Three GCSEs at grade D/3 or above including English and Maths
Please Note
If your course is free, please note this is subject to eligibility and funding criteria.
What will you learn?
The apprentice will follow a training programme to complete the apprenticeship requirements and meet the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for them to be fully competent:
- The apprentice works and trains with the employer and/or training provider
- The apprentice will create and maintain a mandatory portfolio in order to provide supporting evidence that will be needed to supplement the knowledge, skills and behaviours observed by the Independent Assessor at the End-point Assessment. The portfolio will be used as evidence for the professional discussion.
- A record of off-the-job training – this is training that must occur for a minimum of 20% of the time the apprentice is paid to work and is training delivered outside of their normal working duties – to develop a wider understanding of the industry.
Criteria
Please see the Institute for Apprenticeship website for further information
Learning will take place in a variety of ways, which could include workplace training, formal courses, work shadowing, industrial visits, research, self-study, attendance at College for classroom/workshop activities and time spent completing assignments set by the assessor.
The apprentice will undertake their end-point assessment when the employer, training provider and apprentice all consider that they are ready to do so. This stage of the apprenticeship is known as the gateway and will not be reached until the apprentice has completed at least 12 months on the programme.
The end-point assessment will be carried out by an independent assessor and will be made up of a practical observation (2 hours) and a professional discussion informed by the completed portfolio.
An employee in this occupation will be responsible for initiating and completing their own work to specification, with minimal supervision, ensuring they meet set deadlines. They are responsible for meeting quality requirements and working in accordance with legislation, environmental, health, safety and welfare considerations. They are accountable for the health and safety of themselves and others. They are expected to exercise responsibility, autonomy and judgement within limited parameters. They perform tasks that are complex and non-routine and may be in a variety of contexts. Forest operatives are responsible for checking their tools, equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) are maintained and safe to use. They report to team leaders and or works supervisors.
How will you learn?
The apprenticeship will be delivered in the workplace and on-site at Broomfield Hall one day per week
What will you need to bring with you?
You need PPE for the workplace and writing materials.
How will you be assessed?
End-point Assessment Gradings
This qualification is graded Fail, Pass or Distinction
Functional Skills
Before taking the end-point assessment, apprentices must
- Have or achieve Level 1 English and Maths Functional Skills (equivalent to GCSE grades D to G)
- Have or take the test for Level 2 English and Maths (equivalent to GCSE grades A* to C)
Where next?
Further Study
You can progress to a full-time Level 3 in Arboriculture or Forestry programme or a further apprenticeship programme.
Who do you contact for more information?
For more information contact Derby College on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk
Is there any financial support available?
Course Information for Employers
Apprenticeship summary
Are they any entry requirements for my apprentice?
What is required from the employer in the workplace?
Behaviours expected within the role
What qualification will my apprentice gain?
What will the assessment look like?
Will my apprentice need to come into college?
Is there any specialist equipment required?
What progression can my apprentice expect after completion of their apprenticeship?
What job roles will this apprenticeship be suitable for?
Will the college help me find an apprentice?
You may already have someone in your organisation or someone has come to you direct asking for an apprenticeship, but if you don’t we have a free recruitment service to help you hire the best candidate for your organisation from our talent pool and external advertising through social media and the national apprenticeship services website
Contact us
If you are an employer and you would like to know more, please email businessenquiries@derby-college.ac.uk or call 01332 387421
Career Information
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Course Information Last Updated On: January 24, 2025 4:08 pm