Degree Apprentice Assistant Forestry Manager

Degree Apprentice Assistant Forestry Manager (Degree Apprentice Level 6)

LET’S CUT STRAIGHT TO IT

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. 

LET’S TELL YOU MORE

Apprenticeship Programmes are a great way to earn and learn! Our Apprentice Assistant Forestry Manager Programme offers the perfect blend of personal and professional development, exposing you to the core of our business.  

You’ll be supported every step of the way.  Your role will be to gain practical experience in the Forestry Team developing your knowledge and understanding of woodland creation, establishment and management within the wider context of a water company.

All of this will allow you to further develop your skills so you can communicate data effectively to a wide variety of stakeholders.

We welcome all apprentices from diverse backgrounds, as we know diverse minds bring new ideas and a different way of thinking. We are looking for someone who wants to build their career with us and grasp new opportunities, and in return we will support you with varied experiences, training and development to provide a grounding for your future career.

HOW WILL THE PROGRAMME WORK?

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.

You will study towards 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.

As part of this apprenticeship, you will be studying towards a Level 6 qualification as a Professional Forester (Integrated Degree). You can find more information about this qualification (known as a standard) by following this link. We encourage you to read this additional information before applying.

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 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.

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 will receive tailored support to successfully complete their apprenticeship and demonstrate their readiness to enter the profession.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We want our employees to care and to have a genuine passion for Forestry and environmental management. We need people who want to make a difference in providing a vital service to our customers, now and for the long-term.

If you have the passion to succeed that we see in our graduates every day, you’ll be a great match for our programme. We’d love you to be someone with:

• 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. No two days are the same and not every day goes to plan, so you’ll need to be quick on your feet to respond!  

• 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 in making sure you reach your full potential here at Severn Trent.

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.

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 along with access to your own vehicle upon starting this role.

HOW WE’LL REWARD AND CARE FOR YOU IN RETURN

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.    

With that in mind, here are just some of our favourite perks that you’ll get being part of the Seven Trent family:   

• 25 days holiday + bank holidays (and the ability to buy/ sell up to 5 days per year)    

• Annual bonus scheme (of up to £1,500, which is 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  

As if that isn’t enough, you’ll receive an annual salary increase whilst you’re on programme and you’ll also get an increase when you move into your first job.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

At Severn Trent we are passionate about our people. We want to make sure that we continue 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, who help us with our commitments. Find out more about our commitments to Diversity and Inclusion at Severn Trent.

LET’S GO

Apply now to build an amazing career and be part of a brilliant team. We can’t wait to hear from you. 

• Roles close on 16th March at Midday (12pm)
• Check your diary – face to face assessments will run from through April and May 2026
• Estimated start date- September 2026

To find out more about working with us, search #LifeatSevernTrent on social media.   

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.