Forest apprentices blossom

5:12pm Tuesday 22nd April 2008

SIX young men's careers have been given a boost thanks to a forestry apprenticeship scheme.

Tutors from Sparsholt College near Winchester, the National Trust and the Forestry Commission have been working together to deliver the course in forest craftsmanship.

Forester Harry Oram has been running the two-year course, which is funded by the European Community New Forest Leader+ Programme.

Those taking part receive NVQ II qualifications alongside the practical experience they gain.

Mr Oram said: "All our apprentices have found futures of one kind or another working in the countryside. They are all on the paths to great careers.

"They have also helped show countless other young people the sort of opportunities that exist within our rural industries."

Successful graduates have gone onto further study and full-time work.

One of the students, Ollie Gibbons, 22, from Boldre in the New Forest, said: "My course has only just finished. The life suits me perfectly. I'm now working for a felling contractor."

Fellow student, James Clayton, said his sights were now set on another course at Sparsholt, followed by a career in wildlife management.