The U.S. Forest Service is launching a new national apprenticeship program aimed at addressing workforce gaps and creating career paths for diverse communities. This initiative, developed in collaboration with the Institute for Workplace Skills & Innovation America (IWSI), will focus on training forestry technicians to help meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in forest management, environmental stewardship, and public land conservation.
The program comes at a critical time, as the Forest Service seeks to ensure the long-term sustainability of forest management across the United States. With around 3,000 forestry technicians employed across the country, the position experiences a turnover rate of about 10% annually. This high turnover rate has highlighted the need for a steady pipeline of trained professionals who can step into these essential roles. The apprenticeship program is designed to address this challenge by offering a structured path for individuals to gain the skills and experience necessary to succeed in these positions.
Forestry technicians play a vital role in the Forest Service, supporting efforts in wildfire management, habitat restoration, and the protection of public lands. By focusing on this specific career path, the apprenticeship program will help meet the agency’s staffing needs while providing opportunities for underrepresented and marginalized communities to enter the field. The Forest Service has long recognized the importance of creating diverse and inclusive workforce pipelines, and this new program is a significant step toward that goal.
The apprenticeship program will build on the Forest Service’s existing experience with similar programs, including its successful wildland firefighter apprenticeship, which has been in operation since 1989. This program has seen substantial success, hiring around 300 new apprentices each year and significantly reducing turnover rates. The wildland firefighter apprenticeship offers mentorship and support systems that foster job satisfaction and employee stability, which the Forest Service aims to replicate in the new forestry technician program.
The new apprenticeship initiative will be launched in phases, with pilot programs set to begin in multiple states by late 2025. The goal is to employ the first cohort of paid apprentices by 2026. Participants in the program will receive hands-on training and education that prepares them for careers in environmental conservation, public land management, and other related fields. The Forest Service is working closely with IWSI to ensure the program is comprehensive, providing participants with both the technical skills and the knowledge required to thrive in these roles.
One of the key benefits of apprenticeship programs is their ability to provide a clear career pathway for individuals. By combining on-the-job training with classroom instruction, apprentices gain valuable experience that can lead to long-term employment and career advancement. The Forest Service has seen firsthand the positive impact of this approach, with apprenticeships becoming a cornerstone of workforce development within the agency. The mentorship and support provided to apprentices not only help them succeed in their roles but also encourage them to stay in the field long-term, reducing turnover and fostering a more stable workforce.
In addition to its focus on forestry technicians, the Forest Service is also exploring ways to strengthen partnerships with employers and community colleges to expand apprenticeship programs in other sectors. The recent “Apprenticeships for America” report highlighted the importance of collaboration between employers and educational institutions to build stronger apprenticeship programs. While many community and technical colleges are registered as apprenticeship sponsors, fewer than half had active apprentices in 2023. By working together, employers and educators can break down outdated perceptions of apprenticeships and expand opportunities in sectors such as technology, healthcare, and finance.
The Forest Service’s new apprenticeship program is an important step toward addressing the workforce challenges facing the agency and ensuring the future of forest management in the U.S. By providing career opportunities to underrepresented communities and offering a clear path to employment, the program will help build a more diverse and skilled workforce. As the pilot programs roll out in the coming years, the Forest Service hopes to create a model that can be replicated in other regions and industries, helping to meet the needs of both employers and workers across the country.
