Stand out arboriculture students recognised by RFS

The RFS is an educational charity inspiring passion and excellence in woodland management. The RFS Silky Fox Handsaws Award rewards students who have stood out on practical forestry and arboriculture courses as they start their careers. 

The award is given for the best students or the students showing most endeavour as they gain practical hands-on skills in tree and woodland care, helping to promote the vital combination of skills needed to succeed in the arboriculture industry.

Winners receive a Gomtaro Silky Handsaw and a year’s membership to the RFS.

The RFS has recognised two Myerscough learners.

19-year-old Jack Priestley completed a Level 3 Arboriculture Technical Certificate in the summer.

Jack is due to enter the industry following the successful completion of this year and will look to apply for positions in the industry taking him further afield after a successful year working with a local firm.

Jack remained a dedicated student striving for excellence over the last two years of study and will continue this into the workplace.  His grades improved across the board and he continued to develop his practical skills to industry standards and beyond, showing deft skills with climbing and chainsaw operation. Jack matured into a student who will no doubt go far in the industry.

Meanwhile, 17-year-old Kyle Stewart is now undertaking his Level 3 qualification with Myerscough, after completing his Level 2 Arboriculture Technical Certificate.

Kyle was new to arboriculture as he began his training at Myerscough, however he quickly established himself as a dedicated and thoughtful student. Kyle applied himself to all undertakings with professionalism and an enquiring mind, and succeeded in obtaining all his NPTC tickets and gained top marks throughout his formal qualification.

Kyle's grades have been consistently the top of his class and he has continued to develop his practical skills to industry standards and beyond, showing deft skills with climbing and chainsaw operation. He is set for a bright future in the industry.

The initiative recognises the increasing value of further education training programmes in forestry and arboriculture across the UK in providing access to the industry. FE training is consistently delivering the essential practical and theoretical skills needed to launch careers in tree-care and woodland management, with Myerscough boasting excellent employment rates.