To support feedback on the Level 4 Forestry Works Manager Experienced Worker Route, funding is available for a limited number of eligible applicants in England.
Applications are open until Friday 7 August 2026, with successful applicants selected through a random allocation process. Applicants must complete and submit an Open Awards Skills Scan (eligibility checklist) to confirm they meet the requirements for this route.
England only
Applications close on Friday 7 August
10 funded places
Assessment fees covered
To be eligible to enter the funding selection process, applicants must:
- Be based in England
- Meet the requirements for the direct access assessment route
- Submit a completed skills scan checklist confirming their readiness to compile and submit a full portfolio of evidence
Following the application window, ten eligible applicants will be selected at random to receive funding support with micro businesses being given priority for six spaces. Micro businesses are defined as having less than ten employees.
All applicants (whether selected for funding or not) will then be able to proceed to compile and submit their full portfolio of evidence via the Silvestor platform. Once submitted, portfolios will be processed and forwarded for assessment by Open Awards.
In order to identify skills gaps and inform future course development, we also welcome receipt of completed skills scans that do not confer eligibility.
Successful funded applicants receive:
Assessment and submission fees covered (for the ten applicants selected)
Level 4 Forestry Works Manager assessment route
Support through the submission process
Streamlined Technical membership application fee covered
Professional recognition through the Institute of Chartered Foresters
Important information
Submitting an eligibility checklist does not guarantee funding. Those who receive funding will be asked to provide feedback on the process at touchpoints through the application at the end of the process.
Only applicants selected through the random allocation process will have their assessment fees reimbursed and priority will be given to micro businesses with six of the ten places being reserved for those applicants. Individuals who are not selected for funding may still proceed with submission and assessment. However, they will be required to cover all submission and assessment fees themselves.
Funding is strictly limited and participation in the assessment process remains open to all eligible candidates regardless of funding status.
Ready to apply?
Complete your Open Awards Skills Scan and email it to icf@charteredforesters.org by Friday 7 August 2026.