Degree Apprentice Assistant Forestry Manager

Severn Trent Plc; Remote; GBP 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading utility provider in the United Kingdom seeks an Assistant Forestry Manager for an apprenticeship program aimed at developing skills in forest management. The successful candidate will gain practical experience while studying towards a Higher Level Professional Forester Degree over three years. Applicants should have A-levels or equivalent qualifications and a full UK driving license, with opportunities for personal development within a supportive team environment. Strong communication and problem-solving skills are essential.

Benefits

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Annual bonus scheme up to £1,500

Leading pension scheme

Dedicated training and development

Two paid volunteering days per year

Qualifications

• A levels or level 3 qualification equating to 118 UCAS points required.
• Full UK driving license and own vehicle needed.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to dynamic environments.

Responsibilities

• Gain practical experience in the Forestry Team.
• Develop knowledge of woodland creation and management.
• Communicate effectively with various stakeholders.

Skills

Resilience

Can do attitude

Adaptability

Excellent communication skills

Analytical skills

Education

A-levels or level 3 qualification with 118 UCAS points

Job description

Apprenticeship Programme – Assistant Forestry Manager (Degree Apprentice Level 6)

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.

You’ll be supported every step of the way. Your role will be to gain practical experience in the Forestry Team, develop your knowledge of woodland creation, establishment and management within the wider context of a water company, and to communicate data effectively to a wide variety of stakeholders.

You will travel within the Severn Trent region on a regular basis. You will work within the Forestry Team for the duration of your placement and be exposed to a wide range of tasks and projects so you can develop your career in forestry.

You will study toward your Higher Level Professional Forester Degree. Studies take 3 years and will be completed as a blend of academic study and hands‑on experience. Commitment, prioritisation and organisation will be essential.

In this exciting programme you will have the chance to discuss your development and career ambitions in your 1‑1 meetings with business leads, mentors, a study buddy, the cohort leader, and the New Talent Team.

What You Will Learn

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 re‑planting, 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.

Year Three: Leadership and Specialist Practice 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 receive tailored support to successfully complete their apprenticeship and demonstrate readiness to enter the profession.

What We Are Looking For

• Resilience – you work well under pressure
• A ‘can do’ attitude – willing to get stuck in, take accountability for decisions and actions and who takes pride in their work
• A love of variety in a role and an ability to adapt to a dynamic, fast‑paced working environment
• Ability to quickly prioritise tasks and the initiative to dive head‑first into problem solving
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills and enjoy working with multiple teams
• Ability to analyse and interpret information and effectively communicate this to different team members and audiences
• Ability to travel freely across our patch to visit different sites and travel to meetings and training days
• Courage to try new things and share your thoughts and ideas
• Curiosity to learn quickly in a reactive and dynamic working environment

About The Programme

Our New Talent Team will guide you and support you every step of the way. Furthermore, your line manager, mentor and graduate buddy will be there to help you reach your full potential here at Severn Trent.

Key Details

Location: Anywhere within the Severn Trent region (regular travel across the region required). When not travelling you will be based at home; the pattern of working out and about and at home will change weekly.

Standard: Professional Forester (Integrated Degree)

Link to Standard: Professional forester (integrated degree) / Skills England

Apprenticeship Level: 6

Apprenticeship Duration: 36 months

Starting Salary: £23,500

Entry Criteria: You must have A‑levels or level 3 qualification equating to 118 UCAS points along with Maths and English GCSE or the equivalent at L4/C or above

Driving Requirements: It is essential that you have a full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle upon starting this role.

Rewards and Care

It’s not just a job you’ll get here; you’ll get a career too. We have a range of benefits that reward and recognise great work and award‑winning training to ensure you reach your potential. And we’ll also help you play your part in looking after the environment and the community in which we live.

• 25 days holiday + bank holidays (and the ability to buy/sell up to 5 days per year)
• Annual bonus scheme (up to £1,500 subject to eligibility)
• Leading pension scheme – we will double your contribution (up to 15% when you contribute 7.5%)
• Sharesave – the chance to buy Severn Trent Plc shares at a discounted rate
• Dedicated training and development with our Academy
• Retail offers
• Family‑friendly policies
• Two paid volunteering days per year

Diversity and Inclusion

At Severn Trent we are passionate about our people. We want to foster a more diverse, inclusive, and cohesive culture that represents the communities and customers we serve. We’re making sure we keep up the progress with our wonderful working groups – LGBTQ+, Women in Operations & STEM, Disability, and Ethnicity. Find out more about our commitments to Diversity and Inclusion at Severn Trent.

Apply Now

• Roles close on 16th March at Midday (12pm)
• Face‑to‑face assessments run through April and May 2026
• Estimated start date: September 2026

In accordance with Home Office guidance successful candidates will be required to evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment. We have assessed this programme and do not consider that we would be able to sponsor a successful candidate under the Skilled Worker route as the role does not meet the relevant Home Office criteria; the successful candidate must be able therefore to demonstrate right to work without Severn Trent sponsorship.