Environment

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship

University

You'll usually need a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a relevant subject, like:

• arboriculture
• countryside management
• forest management
• forestry
• woodland ecology and conservation

A small number of postgraduate courses is available.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

College

You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. Relevant subjects include:

• Level 2 Certificate in Forestry and Arboriculture
• Level 3 Diploma in Forestry and Arboriculture

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements
• funding advice
• search for courses

Apprenticeship

You can get into this job through an arborist or forest operative intermediate apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

Requirements and restrictions

You'll need to:

• You may need a driving licence and access to a vehicle to reach forest and woodland areas.
• You may also need the certificates of competence for your work like chainsaw use, chipper use or operation of specialist equipment like a tree harvester.
• be able to cope with working at height

More information

Career tips

Most employers will expect you to have 2 to 3 years' woodland experience to become a forestry officer.

Professional and industry bodies

You could apply for membership of the Institute of Chartered Foresters, which may help with your career prospects and professional development.

Further information

You can find more advice about careers and training in forestry through the Royal Forestry Society and The Arboricultural Association.

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With experience, you could move into consultancy work or a university research role.

You may also be able to apply for chartered environmentalist status. You can find out more about being a chartered environmentalist from the Society for the Environment.