Degree Apprentice Assistant Forestry Manager
SEVERN TRENT WATER LIMITED
Derby, Severn Trent Water, Shrewsbury
Closes in 6 days (Monday 16 March 2026)
Posted on 9 March 2026
Contents
Summary
You will be travelling within the Severn Trent region on a regular basis. You will work within the Forestry Team for the duration of your placement and will be exposed to a wide range of tasks and projects so that you are equipped to develop your career in forestry.
- Wage
-
£23,500 a year
- Training course
- Professional forester (integrated degree) (level 6)
- Hours
-
You will be working 37 hours per week. Monday to Friday, across a 7.00am - 3.30pm / 7.00am - 3.00pm / 8.00am - 4.00pm working pattern.
37 hours a week
- Start date
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Tuesday 1 September 2026
- Duration
-
3 years
- Positions available
-
2
Work
Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.
What you'll do at work
In year one, apprentices will build a solid foundation in forestry principles and practical skills. They will learn to identify broadleaf and conifer species, develop academic and report writing abilities, and begin working with mapping software. Modules cover essential topics such as tree and woodland measurement, silviculture, woodland ecology, and the safe use of forestry tools. Apprentices also explore how wood is processed and utilised, gaining an understanding of its biological properties and value as a raw material.
In year two, apprentices will focus on applying forestry knowledge in professional contexts. They will explore Geographical Information Systems (GIS), forest health and protection, and the policies and governance that shape sustainable forest management. They will also learn how to manage forest operations, from harvesting to replanting, and examine the vital relationship between forests and communities. A professional practice module will support apprentices in reflecting on their development and growing identity as a forester.
In year three, apprentices will advance their skills in business planning, forest management, and climate-conscious forestry. They will engage in forest plan development aligned with sustainable forest management principles, explore advanced silvicultural techniques, and learn strategies for responding to climate change through climate-smart forestry.
The year concludes with a student-led End Point Assessment, where apprentices will receive tailored support to successfully complete their apprenticeship and demonstrate their readiness to enter the profession.
Where you'll work
You can select which locations you want to apply for in your application on Find an apprenticeship.
This apprenticeship is available in these locations:
- Raynesway, Derby, DE21 7BE
- Severn Trent Water, CV3 6SD
- Shelton, Shrewsbury, SY3 8BJ
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
THE UNIVERSITY OF CUMBRIA
Training course
Professional forester (integrated degree) (level 6)
Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)
What you'll learn
Course contents
- Navigate to work sites using tools (e.g. maps, compasses, location apps, GPS)
- Create maps to represent forestry / woodland sites using both paper and digital formats.
- Identify, classify and prioritise different sources of silvicultural information and data
- Use digital technology to conduct desk-based surveys.
- Apply accurate mensuration and survey techniques.
- Create Woodland Management / Creation Design Plan
- Produce and manage silvicultural operational assessments / schemes of work / operational and harvesting plans.
- Develop complex silviculture modelling scenarios including carbon balance, land use, landowner objectives, timber and/or other income.
- Communicate with others using different methods, for example digital, written, verbal, presentational (maps & sketches).
- Establish and manage internal and external relationships, for example contractors, media, stakeholders.
- Select and apply online silvicultural tool or application for task, for example MyForest, Felling Licence Online, Ecological Site Classification Tool, ForestGales
- Select and apply silvicultural systems to achieve management objectives.
- Manage risks to the environment including pollution, biosecurity, habitat degradation.
- Identify and manage risks to self, employees, public and others using dynamic site and operational risk assessment according to FISA Guidance.
- Collate, analyse and interpret silvicultural data and make recommendations.
- Develop and maintain information networks.
- Create and manage financial models and budgets.
- Prepare and manage financial and contractual documents (e.g. tenders, sales contracts, grant agreements).
- Manage, maintain and record own performance, professional development and currency of silvicultural knowledge.
- Navigate to work sites using tools (e.g. maps, compasses, location apps, GPS)
- Create maps to represent forestry / woodland sites using both paper and digital formats.
- Identify, classify and prioritise different sources of silvicultural information and data
- Use digital technology to conduct desk-based surveys.
- Apply accurate mensuration and survey techniques.
- Create Woodland Management / Creation Design Plan
- Produce and manage silvicultural operational assessments / schemes of work / operational and harvesting plans.
- Develop complex silviculture modelling scenarios including carbon balance, land use, landowner objectives, timber and/or other income.
- Communicate with others using different methods, for example digital, written, verbal, presentational (maps & sketches).
- Establish and manage internal and external relationships, for example contractors, media, stakeholders.
- Select and apply online silvicultural tool or application for task, for example MyForest, Felling Licence Online, Ecological Site Classification Tool, ForestGales
- Select and apply silvicultural systems to achieve management objectives.
- Manage risks to the environment including pollution, biosecurity, habitat degradation.
- Identify and manage risks to self, employees, public and others using dynamic site and operational risk assessment according to FISA Guidance.
- Collate, analyse and interpret silvicultural data and make recommendations.
- Develop and maintain information networks.
- Create and manage financial models and budgets.
- Prepare and manage financial and contractual documents (e.g. tenders, sales contracts, grant agreements).
- Manage, maintain and record own performance, professional development and currency of silvicultural knowledge.
Training schedule
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
A Level in:
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Communication skills
- IT skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Customer care skills
- Problem solving skills
- Presentation skills
- Administrative skills
- Number skills
- Analytical skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Initiative
- Non judgemental
- Patience
Other requirements
Location: Anywhere within the Severn Trent region (regular travel across the Severn Trent region will be required). When not travelling around you will be based at home. There will be no pattern of working out and about and at home- it will change weekly.
About this employer
At Severn Trent, we believe everyone deserves more. More care for the environment, more sustainable initiatives, and more support for the communities we serve. That's why we're on a mission to deliver bigger and better things, and we need passionate apprentices like you to help us achieve our goals.
Our people and culture are the heart of our success. We're proud to be in the top 5% of utility companies worldwide for employee engagement and ranked as a Top 50 UK Employer on Glassdoor. With nearly 10,000 dedicated colleagues, we're looking for more brilliant people who are eager to turn challenges into opportunities for a better future.
If you're excited to learn, and ready to make a real impact, we want you on our team
https://www.severntrent.com/careers/early-careers/ (opens in new tab)
Disability Confident
A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions.
You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.
After this apprenticeship
- By the end of this programme, you will take up a full time role in Severn Trent where you will be able to put your skills to action
- Following completion of your apprenticeship, you will move into a full-time role such as a Forestry Manager where you’ll get to make a real difference
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
THE UNIVERSITY OF CUMBRIA
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000019907.
Apply now
Closes in 6 days (Monday 16 March 2026)
After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.