The forestry industry is currently facing significant recruitment and retention problems which are widely recognised as barriers to growth. ForStart: HI has been developed by RDI to provide an attractive route into the industry across the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, providing financial support for existing businesses to offer new entrant and work experience placements.
Although designed specifically for the private sector, ForStart: HI links closely with the Scottish Trees and Timber Modern Apprenticeship programme currently being delivered by Forest Enterprise Scotland in West Argyll. The projects work together through combined training and evaluation events and, for potential forest machine operators, by offering one-to-one training with a Forest Enterprise Scotland machine operator trainer on FES machines.
ForStart: HI began in 2006, with the first round successfully supporting existing businesses to create 10 new jobs in the trees and timber industry. It also provided an opportunity for businesses to offer subsidised work experience placements for 5 individuals thinking of a career in the trees and timber industry. Having developed and tested this model of supporting businesses to create new employment opportunities in a variety of forestry and related enterprises, RDI are in discussion with public sector partners in other parts of the UK to replicate the project in other areas and industries.
Project parners include Lantra, ConFor, Highlands & Islands Enterprise, HIE Moray, BSW Timber, Forestry Commission Scotland and Careers Scotland.
