The Forestry Practical Training Funds are currently closed, so please leave your details here and we'll get back to you when they become available again.
The Future Forester Training Fund was established by Scottish Forestry to support those relatively new to the sector, providing them with additional skills to progress their careers and employment opportunities in forestry beyond their current role.
We are delighted to announce that thanks to additional funding provided by Future Woodlands Scotland, we have reopened the fund for applications to support those relatively new to the forestry sector by providing them with an opportunity for skills development and training.
The aim of the fund is to:
- Provide those studying forestry with additional skills to progress their careers
- Open up new development opportunities for those new to the sector (less than five years)
Please note: If you are a woman working in forestry and you started on your forestry career path over five years ago, you may be eligible for funding through the Women in Forestry Training Fund instead. If so, please select your course and apply through the Women in Forestry Training Fund. You can see the courses eligible for that fund here.
What kind of courses can I apply for?
Courses eligible for funding are badged as such in Skills Hub Scotland. On a case-by-case basis, we are happy to consider individual modules or units from full-time courses, if they relate to forestry. Other courses available through Skills Hub Scotland or elsewhere will also be considered if you can demonstrate the relevance and value of the training here.
Training outwith Scotland will be supported if there is no Scotland-based equivalent.
The Future Forester's Practical Training fund is open to anyone resident in Scotland who:
- entered the Forestry Sector less than five years ago, or who is studying forestry, full-time or part-time, or who is keen to start.
Or is:
- a newcomer wishing to pursue a career within the forestry sector or who is already working in forestry and wants to progress their career
Applicants to the Future Forester’s training fund should be over 16 years of age at the time of application.
In your application you should explain how the training will support the development of you or your business. While priority will be given to new applicants, you can continue making applications to develop your skills over several months, as long as you only apply for a maximum of one course a month.
- 100% funding is available for training up to the value of £500 per course
- In exceptional circumstances where you can fully explain the value of the training to you and your business, applications for courses costing more than £500 may be considered.
You should wait until you get confirmation of funding from us before you do any training, as we cannot make retrospective payments for training undertaken before approval is granted.
The fund is aimed at supporting new entrants to forestry who would otherwise not have access to training and development courses. It is NOT designed to support larger employers, who ought to be investing in the training and development needs of all their staff and who should have a staff development budget allocated to cover these needs.
Training that would NOT be funded includes:
- that which is a statutory requirement for the individual’s continuing employment
- anything an individual requires to do to retain existing employment
- any training which the Fund advisory group considers that an employer could and should provide for, including training for their current role.
If you would like guidance on eligibility, what you can apply for, or the funding application process, email us.
Funding for 100% of costs is available for training up to the value of £500 per course.
Applications for training over the value of £500 will still be accepted and will be assessed depending on the value to the individual or business. These applications will be discussed and reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the Review Panel.
How quickly will I hear back from you?
Applications over £500 and those which require further discussion will be considered at our fortnightly Review Panel meetings. If we would like you to provide further information, you will be given the opportunity to do so before the panel makes its final decision.
Can I apply for more than one course?
You can only apply for one course each month, but you can apply for different courses over several months.
What courses are eligible?
Courses eligible for funding carry the Future Forester’s badge. If you can show that a non-badged course provides a skill that is required for your area of forestry work, email us about getting it added to the badged course list.
Can I get funding for a test?
Yes, if relating to one of our badged courses. Please contact us if you have any questions BEFORE booking any test.
What happens if I am unable to attend the course?
If you fail to attend training without reasonable notice, you may be liable for the full costs of the replacement booking.
Who will assess my application?
Our Review Panel is made up of one representative from Scottish Forestry, one from Future Woodlands Scotland (which is funding the training), together with representatives from Lantra Scotland (who have knowledge of accredited training and delivery). Where required, the panel will draw on internal and external specialist advice.
Is there a deadline for applying?
We are delighted to confirm that funding has now opened for applications.
Is there a deadline for completing the training?
Once we confirm that you are getting funding, you have six months to complete the training. In exceptional circumstances this may be extended.
Is there anything else I need to know before applying?
You should not have started the training before applying to the fund. Payments cannot be made retrospectively.
You can find the full terms and conditions for applications made through the Skills Hub here.
Applying for the fund
The Forestry Practical Training Funds are currently closed, so please leave your details here and we'll get back to you when they become available again.