A pioneering partnership helping to develop the next generation of forestry professionals in Wales is going from strength to strength.
The fifth cohort of the Foresight Sustainable Forestry Skills Training Programme successfully completed an intensive four-week programme at Coleg Cambria Llysfasi, building on a collaboration which has provided a pathway into the sector for aspiring forestry workers.
Cameron Thomas, from Carmarthen; Deiniol Jones, from Anglesey; Tom Jenkins, from Llandeilo; and Rob Redman, from Dolgellau took part in the latest programme, held during the summer.
Working with Tilhill Forestry – the UK’s leading integrated forestry business – along with different departments across Cambria, and external trainers and assessors, the participants undertook a packed timetable designed to give them practical, industry-relevant skills and recognised qualifications.
Training included PA1 and PA6 pesticide application, tractor driving, Emergency First Aid at Work with a forestry-specific element, woodchipper operation and ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle) training.
Participants were also provided with essential PPE courtesy of Foresight, including equipment required to work safely in forestry environments.
The programme is part of a long-standing relationship between Llysfasi and Tilhill, which also includes the Tilhill Diploma in Forestry and Arboriculture, designed to produce skilled, industry-ready workers.
Elin Roberts, Head of Coleg Cambria Llysfasi, said: “Reaching a fifth cohort is a fantastic milestone and reflects the strength and longevity of this partnership.
“Forestry is an important and evolving industry which needs skilled, confident people with the practical experience and qualifications to make an immediate impact.
“Working closely with Tilhill, Foresight and industry specialists enables us to provide exactly that, bringing education and employers together and creating opportunities for people from communities across Wales.
“We congratulate Cameron, Deiniol, Tom and Rob on completing what is a demanding programme and wish them every success for the future.”
Iwan Parry, Regional Manager for Wales and Marches at Tilhill Forestry, said: “We are thrilled that this partnership with Foresight and Llysfasi continues to provide future generations of forestry professionals with the skills and experience needed to drive the sector forward.
“Forests are an essential part of Welsh ecosystems and the economy, so it is hugely important that those within the industry are equipped to face the opportunities presented by the sector.
“We would like to congratulate the latest cohort and look forward to seeing their progression.”
Rob Redman
Tom Jenkins
The latest cohort comes during another period of significant development at Llysfasi, which has strengthened its position as one of the UK’s leading centres for land-based education.
The campus is home to the £10m Hwb Arloesi (Innovation Hub), a carbon-neutral facility featuring laboratories, classrooms, Higher Education and wellbeing spaces, a library and climbing wall.
Work is also progressing on a new 50-bedroom student accommodation development, complementing the campus’s working farm, forestry and conservation areas, engineering workshops and extensive industry-standard machinery and equipment.
Elin added: “Llysfasi continues to go from strength to strength, but partnerships like this are at the heart of what we do – ensuring our investment, facilities and teaching remain closely aligned with the needs of industry and the rural economy.”