The BHMAT Coppice Apprenticeship Scheme
The scheme is a three year Diploma course. BHMAT takes on two or three apprentices each year. The apprentices are based with a coppice business and receive specialist training in all aspects of the coppice industry. Each apprentice receives a small bursary of £3000 pa plus they can receive recompense for work within their placement. Assessment is based on practical skills and a percentage of written coursework. Successful apprentices are awarded the Bill Hogarth Coppice Diploma and are fully equipped at the end of three years to set up their own coppice business.
To be eligible to apply to either the BHMAT scheme (specific to the North of England) or the National Coppice Apprenticeship Scheme (NCAS) run through the Green Wood Centre (also based on the BHMAT model but now running nationally) applicants must have attended a Woodland Pioneers week course with either BHMAT or NCAS.