Consolidation and recommendations
New consolidation and recommendations report and Minecraft-based learning tool explore how education can support forest and timber careers
A new output written by James Moxey under the Home-Grown Homes project sets out how schools, colleges and universities can work more closely with industry and government to help address Wales’ growing skills gap in forestry and timber construction.
The report, Regenerating Our Future: Pathways for Recruitment and Diversity in the Welsh Forest Industries, explores how education can drive recruitment into forestry and advanced timber manufacturing by creating awareness, improving access to learning, and opening clear routes into employment.
What’s inside
This resource includes ten coordinated outputs developed in collaboration with education providers, learners and timber industry partners across Wales. From digital innovation to new qualifications and CPD delivery, the work aims to support a transition to a more skilled and diverse forest-based economy.
Highlights include:
- A national review of education provision and recruitment challenges
- New pathways into forestry and timber careers for young people
- Pilots with schools, colleges and universities
- Professional development content for construction and design audiences
- A full set of practical recommendations for cross-sector collaboration
Explore Forest Nation World
Minecraft Education meets sustainable building design
As part of this project, a new Minecraft Education world—Forest Nation World—was developed to inspire early interest in forestry and timber construction. Aligned with the Welsh Government’s Hwb platform and Living Sustainably resources, the tool allows learners to plant virtual forests and design timber buildings using renewable resources.
The world is already being used by pupils in pilot schools, supported by PYC Group and Hiraeth Architecture, to recreate real-world buildings and explore sustainable design through play.
Read more about the Forest Nation World Minecraft project.
Who this is for
This report and toolset are designed for:
- Teachers and educators looking to integrate sustainability into lessons
- Further and higher education providers developing new learning content
- Timber industry professionals interested in training and outreach
- Policy and careers stakeholders working to grow the green workforce
Why this matters
Wales faces critical skills shortages in the forest industries. These skills are essential to meeting climate targets, delivering housing, and building a low-carbon future. Education providers, industry, and government must work together to promote rewarding careers that support people, planet and nature.
“Hopefully ideas like this can serve as inspiration and mobilise a new generation.”
— Jasper Meade, Director, PYC Group
Key recommendations
- Inspire interest by integrating climate and sustainability into early learning
- Support access to local FE courses and new NVQs in forestry
- Embed industry content into HE programmes on construction and design
- Build stronger partnerships between educators and employers
- Offer incentives and clear career pathways to bring new entrants into the sector
For further information or to discuss partnership opportunities, please contact James Moxey
