Forest Learning Development Working Group (FLDWG)
Written by Tir Coed / Wednesday 11 January 2017
Tir Coed attended another interesting session of this working group, held this time in the Geography building at the University of Birmingham.
Partner organisation updates from Royal Forestry Society [and friends] (RFS), Hereford & Ludlow College, Forest School Association (FSA), Royal Society of Biology, Birmingham Institute of Forest Research (BIFoR), National Land Based College (NBLC), Heart of England Forest, Forestry Commission, Sylva Foundation, LANTRA, Greenlight Trust and Tir Coed were wide-ranging and informative, giving a positive picture of current and future projects. This was followed by open commentary and discussion relating to all these exciting developments in forest education and the links that are being made across the sector.
Priorities for 2017 were identified including:
- Keeping Links to the Trailblazer Apprenticeships
- Continuing to update and improve the Careers Guide and linking this to the NLBC website
- Continuing links with Forest Education Network
- Developing a ‘Parent’s Guide to Forestry Careers’
- Organising a ‘Forestry Education Conference’ for 2018
- Supporting high quality work and volunteering experiences in Forestry
- Communicating the holistic view of job roles in Forestry
- Support to tutors in colleges
- Continue to provide networking opportunities for third-sector organisations such as Tir Coed & Greenlight Trust.
It is a testament to the positive achievements and the quality reputation that Tir Coed has established, that we have been welcomed into the group as the Welsh contingent, with all contributions being appreciated. Tir Coed is very much being seen as the key organisation providing education and training opportunities in Wales, and is the link organisation for others to contact. We look forward to continuing to develop our position within the FLDWG group in 2017.
Tir Coed already has links with several of the organisations attending this group and future partnership working is in the pipeline. Watch this space.
Apprenticeships
Tir Coed was later welcomed into the Trailblazer Apprenticeship Forestry Sub group.
Updates on the progress of the training specification and assessment plan were detailed along with Department for Education guidance and next steps. This is another key working group for Tir Coed to be involved with as it brings us to the heart of new developments UK wide.
