On Tuesday 14 June, Shireen Chambers MBE FICFor and Jemima Cooper met Jamie Hepburn, Scottish Minister for Higher Education, Further Education, Youth Employment and Training, at Holyrood to talk about the skills crisis and how to resolve it. They were joined by Helen McKay OBE FICFor, Chief Forester for Scotland and Muriel Mackenzie from Scottish Forestry.
It was a very positive meeting. The Minister was keen to hear of the challenges, such as the low numbers in the sector and low awareness of forestry as a career, and quick to identify opportunities, particularly where we can support career changers into the sector. The Institute will work with Scottish Forestry on working up some possible solutions, including for funding.
