Learning and Development Support

Not sure what skills or training you need next? Our Learning and Development Support service can help you identify your priorities, develop a Learning and Development Plan and explore appropriate opportunities.

The support is designed for people and businesses across the Forestry & Timber sectors in Wales, helping you understand your development needs and identify next steps.

Up to 40 individual Learning and Development Plans will be supported through the programme.

Who can apply (Eligibility)?

The Learning and Development Support programme is open to individuals and businesses based in Wales who are involved in, or have a genuine route into, the Forestry & Timber sectors.

You may be eligible if you are:

  • A business with employees working in the Forestry & Timber sectors in Wales.

  • A sole trader or self-employed person working in the Forestry & Timber sectors in Wales.

  • A new entrant or other relevant participant with a genuine connection to, or intention to enter, Forestry & Timber sectors in Wales. This may include career changers, students, volunteers/community woodland participants, woodland owners and other relevant individuals or organisations.

Employees: We expect businesses and organisations with employees to register their interest on behalf of the business and identify employees who may benefit from support. If you are an employee of a Forestry & Timber business or organisation and are interested in Learning and Development Support, please speak to your employer.

If your employer is not currently looking to take part but you would still like to explore your own skills and development needs, please contact us. We can discuss your circumstances and let you know whether individual support may be appropriate.

What we mean by Forestry & Timber: The programme covers a wide range of activities across the Forestry & Timber sectors, including:

Nurseries & plant supply · Ground preparation & establishment · Forestry & woodland management · Harvesting & extraction · Timber transport & haulage · Timber processing & sawmilling · Arboriculture & related tree businesses*

*For arboriculture and related tree businesses, there must be a clear link to, or intention to be involved in, forestry.

How does it work ?

The process is designed to be practical and proportionate to your needs. From registration through to your Learning and Development Plan, we’ll use the information you provide to understand your priorities and identify the most useful next steps.

Not sure if you're eligible?
If you're unsure whether you meet the criteria, please contact us before registering and we can discuss this with you.

What about funding for training?

We will not provide funding for training through this programme.

Our role is to help you understand your learning and development needs and identify appropriate opportunities.

Where relevant, we can also help you understand and explore available funding routes, including the Welsh Government Flexible Skills Programme (FSP).


Learning and Development Support and the Flexible Skills Programme

Your FFF Plan is a separate part of the Forestry Learning & Development Programme. It does not replace the Skills Development Plan required as part of a Flexible Skills Programme application.

However, we have designed our process so that relevant information from your FFF Plan can be transferred or copied into the FSP application process where appropriate. This should help reduce unnecessary duplication.

FFF can provide guidance and practical support to help you understand and complete the FSP application process, but the application remains your responsibility and must be submitted by you.

Find out more about the Flexible Skills Programme


Ready to get started?

If you think Learning and Development Support could help you or your business, register your interest in the programme.