University of Cumbria celebrates prize winners from the first cohort of Professional Forester Degree Apprenticeship graduates

This pioneering programme combines academic study at the university’s Ambleside campus and Forestry England’s 2,500-hectare Cannock Chase estate with hands-on experience in the workplace.

The Professional Foresters Apprenticeship was developed as a partnership between the University of Cumbria National School of Forestry, the Forestry Commission and the Institute of Chartered Foresters.

The course equips apprentices with the skills and knowledge most valued by the professional body. Graduates leave with a degree accredited by the Institute of Chartered Foresters and Skills England, ready to lead in forest and woodland management or progress to postgraduate study.

This week the University of Cumbria has celebrated the outstanding accomplishments of three graduating students from the BSc (Hons) Professional Forester Degree Apprenticeship, each recognised this year by the Royal Forestry Society (RFS) for excellence, dedication and contribution to the future of the forestry profession.

Two students, Lara Jo Bazzu and Gareth Biggins, have been awarded the prestigious Royal Forestry Society (RFS) Student of the Year prize for the Professional Forester Degree Apprenticeship.

Lara has been awarded this for recognition of her consistently exceptional academic performance throughout the programme. As a student entirely new to forestry at the start of the degree, Lara’s transformation has been remarkable. Her meticulous approach, outstanding attention to detail, and determination to gain the fullest possible understanding from every module have resulted in the highest final degree mark on the programme. She graduates as a highly knowledgeable and skilled professional forester.

Lara jo Bazzu said: “I am moved and honoured to receive this recognition. Being part of the very first cohort of the Professional Forester Degree Apprenticeship has been a journey of learning, growth and meaningful connections. This experience has culminated in the graduation of fully qualified foresters, coming from a diversity of life paths, paving the way for many more to follow. I am excited to see how future apprentices will continue making a difference in forestry every day. I hope others will enjoy exploring woodlands, where they can encounter wildlife, connect with others and find the inspiration to pursue a career intertwined with sustainability, nature and personal fulfilment.”

Gareth has received this prize, acknowledging his reflective, considered and collaborative approach to study. Changing career to join the degree, Gareth brought with him a wealth of cross-disciplinary experience that enriched both his own learning and that of his cohort. A perceptive and authoritative voice in discussions, Gareth consistently produced work of exceptional quality, demonstrating dedication, insight, and professionalism throughout the programme. Gareth has also achieved Chartered Forester (MICFor) status.

Gareth Biggins said: “I’m truly humbled and honoured to receive the Royal Forestry Society’s Student of the Year Award, especially among such a talented and dedicated cohort of fellow apprentices. I hope this recognition helps inspire others to explore a career in forestry and join the growing community working to care for our woodlands and landscapes in the face of their many challenges.”

The North West Division of the Royal Forestry Society Prize has been awarded to Rikky Sweet, whose hard work, determination and exceptional personal progress have deeply impressed the academic team. Rikky has drawn on his strengths, such as strong attention to detail, to elevate his learning and performance. The significant improvement in his work over the course of the degree, as well as the challenges he has overcome, stand as an inspiring example to his peers. His commitment, resilience, and the consistently high standard of his assignments make this recognition richly deserved.

Rikky Sweet said: "I'd like to recognise the entire 'trail‑blazing' cohort for their hard work and resilience. It's been a privilege to study alongside such fine people. Equally, our achievements are rooted in the professionals who shaped and supported the programme. Looking ahead, I hope we can contribute positively to the forestry sector — always championing trees and the benefits they bring to people, nature, and the economy."

As the forestry sector faces new ecological, environmental and economic challenges, the University of Cumbria is delighted to see its graduates stepping into the profession with such capability, insight, and commitment.

Helens Manns, Dean of the Institute of Science & Environment, University of Cumbria said: "This first cohort of Professional Forester Degree Apprenticeship graduates represents a landmark moment for the University of Cumbria. We set out to create a programme that blends academic excellence with real-world practice, and the achievements of Lara, Gareth, and Rikky show just how transformative that vision has been. Their dedication and professionalism embody the future of forestry in the UK. As they enter a sector facing complex challenges, we are proud to see them equipped with the knowledge and skills to lead. As pioneers of this unique programme, their success sets a strong precedent for future foresters.”

Gareth Hopkins MBE, Forestry Commission Apprenticeship Programme Manager said: “Forestry is a hugely rewarding sector to work in and plays a key role in helping with the climate crisis, and it’s immensely exciting to see so much achievement from the first cohort of Professional Forester Degree Apprenticeship graduates.

The Forestry Commission has been integral to the partnership with the University of Cumbria in the development and the delivery of the Professional Forester Apprenticeship since 2021. The mix of academic study and work experience on the apprenticeship provides a tremendous opportunity for the apprentices to grow into the role of a Professional Forester, ready to hit the ground running within the sector once they graduate."

Dr Rob Hawkins, Senior Education & Outreach Officer, Institute of Chartered Foresters said: "The Institute has been involved in developing the Professional Forester Degree Apprenticeship from its inception to this milestone — the graduation of the first cohort. All the graduates should be rightly proud of their achievements as they enter the sector, and we are especially proud of those who have achieved Chartered Forester status alongside their studies. The future of the sector is in capable hands."