Fergus Simister discusses why the mid-year placement role is a great opportunity

Fergus Simister, who joined Euroforest in June 2021 as a Mid-year Placement Student discusses his role and why it is a great opportunity for anyone interested in the forestry industry.

What attracted you to the mid-year placement role with Euroforest?

“I went on a number of visits to Euroforest sites with University where I’m currently working towards a BSc (Hons) in forestry management and an accreditation with The Institute of Chartered Foresters.  I was initially attracted to Euroforest’s influential position in the market and after chatting to General Manager, Steven Parr, on one of the site visits and seeing the work undertaken first-hand, I knew I wanted to be a part of it.”

What would you say to someone thinking about applying for the role?

“This is an ideal role for anyone interested in forestry who wants to spend a lot of time out in the field. It’s a good starting point to get into the industry or gain more experience, with potential opportunity to come back to the company or work with them while I finish my final year at university.  The mid-year placement role has been a great opportunity to put into practice what I have learnt on my course at university.”

Do you have any advise for someone looking to pursue a career in forestry?

“Forestry is a great industry to work in and covers approximately 12% of the land in the UK. There is lots to learn and it helps if you have a keen interest in forestry, machinery, or land-based business. You get to spend a lot of time outdoors and visit different forests at varying stages of production all over the country.  I get to work with a range of different people from colleagues to hauliers, contractors, and landowners.  

What is it like to work for Euroforest?

“I really enjoy working for Euroforest.  There is plenty of support and advise if you need it.  There is so much knowledge and experience within the team; if I ever need advice on anything, there will be someone who has already done it.  The office is very sociable, and everyone is happy to help.”

What is a typical day in your role?

“In my role I assist managers with the day to day running of harvesting sites.  All days are different and can include anything from looking at tenders, contacting landowners, arranging deliveries with hauliers, calculating timber prices, and contacting sawmills,as well as some office work such as site reporting and processing timber deliveries.  I get the opportunity to work on a broad range of harvesting sites and with a number of different managers.”

What do you hope to achieve when you have finished your course?

“Once I have finished my course, I am hoping to return to Euroforest.  I would like to work through the trainee manager program and in time progress to an area manager.  Euroforest offer plenty of opportunities for progression.”

Euroforest are currently offering opportunities to apply for mid-year placements across Scotland, England, and Wales.  In the role you will work alongside experienced Harvesting Managers who will support and mentor you throughout your placement whilst you gain invaluable knowledge and experience. For more information and to apply for the role click here.

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