The National Coppice Apprenticeship Scheme is a partnership between Small Woods and the Bill Hogarth MBE Memorial Apprenticeship Trust. The scheme, and the Coppice Diploma that carries his name, were developed by BHMAT with inspiration from the life and work of the late Cumbria coppice merchant Bill Hogarth. Bill learned his trade from his father and worked as a coppice merchant in Cumbria for 56 years, He was passionate in passing on his skills, so earning himself an MBE in 1995 for services to the coppice industry.
The apprenticeship is customised training program which provides a unique opportunity to:
- learn the skills and craft to start a business within the Coppice and Green wood craft sector.
- Between 2-3 years training with experienced practitioners.
- Mandatory and specialist training in Chainsaw use, coppice and woodland management , Green wood crafts and business development.
- Training bursary and tool and equipment budget.
“It has shown me something that I didn’t even know existed. I was doing a dead-end job and now I am doing something that I love: working with nature in the outdoors.”
James Mitchell was the first graduate of the Bill Hogarth Coppice Diploma and has now set up his own business in Cumbria:
SWA apprentice in Oxfordshire Suz Williams;
A Big Thank You to the Ernest Cook Trust!
The Ernest Cook Trust, to mark their Diamond Jubilee year, have agreed to fund Coppice Apprenticeship in perpetuity, starting in 2012. This will mean that the National Coppice Apprenticeship Scheme will always have one fully funded apprentice!
This is fantastic news for the coppice industry, and our thanks go to the Trustees of the Ernest Cook Trust for supporting us in our mission to preserve the traditional rural craft of coppicing well into the future. See www.ernestcooktrust.org.uk
We recruit our apprentices following a ‘Week in the woods’ training program which is normally subsidised and is a great way for new entrants to learn more about our apprenticeship program.
For more information on apprenticeships contact the office.
Small Woods Association are providing an opportunity to gain experience within the woodland and greenwood craft sector for volunteer woodland interns.
Duration:
Rolling program – 6 week blocks.
Eligibility:
No direct experience required but would have volunteered or trained in a related discipline.
Keen to learn and gain experience within the woodland and Green Wood Craft sector.
Work program:
Woodland Interns will work 4 days a week which may include weekends and will undertake:
Facilities:
Work experience will be based at the Green Wood Centre, Station Road Coalbrookdale. Telford. TF8 7DR. Accommodation is available so please enquire.
Further details:
Contact Simon James at [email protected].
Apply:
Please send your CV along with a statement of why you would like to take part in a Small Woods Association internship to: [email protected]
