What's Happening?
The Forestry Training Service UK (FTSUK) has been established as a subsidiary of Confor to address gaps in forestry training and align learning with industry needs. This initiative is supported by financial contributions from the Forestry Commission,
Forestry and Land Scotland, Natural Resources Wales, and Scottish Forestry. FTSUK aims to identify areas where training is lacking and provide targeted solutions, acting as a hub to connect training demand with provision. The service will not compete with existing training providers but will work alongside them to build a sustainable network offering quality training solutions. The first training hub has been set up at SRUC Barony in Dumfries and Galloway, with plans to expand across the UK using a hub-and-spoke model.
Why It's Important?
The establishment of FTSUK is significant as it addresses a critical need for skilled labor in the forestry sector, which has been facing challenges due to a lack of experienced technical staff. By improving training availability and standards, FTSUK aims to build a skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of the forestry and wood-processing industries. This initiative is expected to enhance the sector's productivity and sustainability, benefiting businesses and the economy. Additionally, by setting industry standards for training, FTSUK will ensure that the workforce is equipped with the necessary skills to operate safely and efficiently.
What's Next?
FTSUK plans to expand its training hubs across the UK, including Northern Ireland, to increase accessibility to training. The skills board has identified initial training priorities such as forest machine operation, chainsaw skills, and environmental awareness. The development of these training programs will be driven by industry-led working groups to ensure they meet the sector's needs. As FTSUK evolves, it will work with the industry to set training standards and provide a range of training opportunities to support workforce development.
