College forestry partnership aims to train next generation of woodland workers

Learners on the inaugural Tilhill Diploma in Forestry and Woodland Management at Coleg Cambria Llysfasi welcomed speakers from the organisation for a drone display and presentations.

Tilhill is the UK’s largest forestry and timber harvesting company, and together with Cambria wants to educate the next generation of workers by way of industrial experience and bespoke training.

Tilhill’s Group Learning and Development Manager Tony Lockey says Cambria’s burgeoning position in the agricultural and outdoors arena is what attracted them to North Wales.

“This is the first time Tilhill have linked with a course like this,” he said.

“It was because of Llysfasi’s reputation and quality of training that we have come to Wales to launch a programme designed to create job-ready graduates in this growing sector of industry.

“We are excited and pleased with the first cohort and look forward to working with these young people in their training and studies going forward.”

He added: “We are proud to be part of this ground-breaking adventure with Llysfasi and see it going from strength to strength each year.”

Among the other speakers on the day were Andy White, Lead Forestry Lecturer at Llysfasi; Tilhill District Manager for Wales and the Marches, David Edwards, and Luke Cross, a Graduate Assistant Forest Manager based in Bala.

Senior Forest Manager John Fergason was also in attendance and gave the learners a display of how valuable drones are to forest management and mapping, capturing data and biodiversity.

Head of Llysfasi Iain Clarke said the relationship between Cambria and Tilhill Forestry will continue to go from strength to strength.

He added: “As a college we are proud to be working with Tilhill Forestry to train new entrants into this exciting and rewarding career pathway of forestry management.

“With the sector demanding the very best in up to date skills and knowledge coupled with correct behaviours, this sector-leading partnership will ensure our new recruits are given first-hand experience and training for them to be successful.

“Between us we will ensure that recruits learn ‘ground up’, including the practical knowledge, theory into practice and legislative qualifications with a good depth of industry-related work experience, before moving into the deeper understanding of management, leadership and higher-level technical skills.”