The Kent Woodland Employment scheme is a registered training charity focused on assisting ex-offenders, ex-service personnel and young school leavers in finding paid employment. KWES provide three-year paid apprenticeships designed by the Royal Forestry Society (RFS), leading to recognised qualifications in woodland management.
Four Successful Apprenticeships
KWES currently supports 20 apprentices in training, and are expecting a further 10 to join in October 2016.
Apprentices train mainly in Kent's ancient woods, helping to regenerate a unique and valuable part of England's heritage. Starting at the beginning of the coppicing season (in October), apprentices spend six months working to receive Level 2 Mandatory Pratical Certificates. The second half of the year is spent concentrating on theoretical training, including the principles of forestry and ecology, woodland planting and aftercate and the interaction of environments and plants. Over the next two years the apprentices then work towards Level 3 Silviculture.
The £2,000 grant provided by Our World Educational Trust funded one of the first year courses, the Level 2 Certificate in Forestry - Award in Chain Saw and Related Operations to Fell and Process Trees, for four apprentices. All four apprentices then went on to successfully pass the course.
To find out more about KWES visit their website.