Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) has celebrated its latest cohort of 11 apprentices moving into full time positions.

This brings the total of apprentices taking up full time roles to 22 for this year.

Working at locations all over the country, the five women and 17 men have taken up roles ranging from mechanic, craftsperson and worksite supervisor to wildlife ranger, data analyst and Civil Engineering Supervisor.

Learning and Development Manager, Kirsty Russell, said:

“We’re proud to announce that 11 more Craftsperson apprentices have recently transitioned into permanent roles within FLS. This follows on from welcoming our previous group earlier in the year.

“This achievement reflects our commitment to developing talent and supporting career progression through high-quality apprenticeship programmes.”

Forestry is a key rural industry – contributing around £1.1 billion annually to Scotland’s economy while supporting biodiversity and helping to tackle climate change – and FLS is providing career opportunities to the next generation of foresters and related staff.

Lochgilphead based FLS Craftsperson Johnny Holmes highlighted how his training has set him up for a successful career in forestry:

“This apprenticeship has been life changing for me. Starting from zero forestry knowledge and practical skills, the program gave me countless opportunities to learn and develop these. Through internal training courses, college portfolio work, technical certification and full on-the-job experience I have been given the perfect foundation to build a career in forestry and have developed a real motivation and desire to pursue work within the industry and FLS.”

Liam Hunter, who will be taking up a worksite supervisor role based out of Dunkeld following the completion of his apprenticeship, said:

“The apprenticeship program gave me the confidence to get back into education; become part of an industry I love and have a clear goal for my future after years of uncertainty"

Contin based FLS Craftsperson Jamie Cox said:

“I’ve had a great time as an apprentice Craftsperson with FLS. I have learned lots, seen many interesting places and met so many interesting people. I have thoroughly enjoyed the whole process.”

Working out of Durris in Aberdeenshire, FLS Craftsperson Louis Marshall said:

“The apprenticeship has allowed me to develop my knowledge of forestry and the industry whilst developing and gaining certificates for practical skills.”

Additional information:

Current Cohort

Stewart Smith

Craftsperson

Culbokie

Liam Hunter

Worksite Supervisor

Dunkeld

Jamie Cox

Craftsperson

Contin

Alistair Kerr

Craftsperson

Lairg

Dan Needham

Craftsperson

Torlundy

Cameron Russell

Craftsperson

Oban

Hannah Thomson

Craftsperson

Oban

Johnny Holmes

Craftsperson

Lochgilphead

Kirsty Waters

Craftsperson

Lochgilphead

Abi Skidmore

Craftsperson

Durris

Lou Marshall

Craftsperson

Durris

Apprentices from earlier in the year

Fenna Whittaker

Wildlife Ranger

Aberfoyle

Daniel Sloss

Wildlife Ranger

Dalmally

Murray Henderson

Wildlife Ranger

Straiton/Newton Stewart

Harris McGreish

Civils Supervisor

Aberfoyle

Andrew Sim

Civils Supervisor

Durris

Ethan MacNee

TRA Dev Op Civil Engineer

Newton Stewart

Josh Smith

Civil Engineer

Oban

Jessica Weetch

Data Analyst

National Team

Willian Howard

Mechanic

Aberfoyle

Kyle Cartmell

Mechanic

Longman

Owen Bennis

Storeman then TRA as Service Manager

Cairnbaan