New apprenticeships are open to women to encourage them to start a career in Forestry.
Working along with idverde UK, Solihull Council are supporting equality in the forestry sector through their apprenticeship scheme.
The 24-month apprenticeships give aspiring arborists the chance to get a level two qualification in forestry. The industry hopes this apprenticeship will boost the number of women working in forestry to grow equality in the sector.
The scheme has already seen women joining the industry. Candice recently joined as an apprentice for idverde, in-which she joined forestry officers on site once a week for training.
She said of her experience: “I joined the apprenticeship programme as I was looking to work in forestry and thought this was the perfect role for me to start.
“I have found it incredibly rewarding and a well-rounded experience. I hope more women will get involved in these apprenticeships, as it is a great opportunity to learn new skills and start a really worthwhile career.”
Cllr Ken Hawkins, Cabinet Portfolio Member for Environment and Infrastructure, said:
“Schemes like these are intended to help improve equality and diversity within the sector. We want to encourage more women like Candice to get involved in these fantastic apprenticeship opportunities.
“Building equality in the forestry sector helps create more opportunities for women across Solihull.
“Well done, Candice, we look forward to seeing your team building and expanding its female workforce.”
For more information on starting a forestry career follow the link here: https://www.trees.org.uk/Careers/Careers-in-Arboriculture