Forestry companies invest significantly in training, bursaries, internships and skills development initiatives to help build the next generation of forestry professionals, entrepreneurs and skilled workers.

These programmes provide young people, particularly those from rural communities, with opportunities to gain valuable technical, scientific and business skills. Importantly, this investment in human capacity extends beyond the forestry industry itself. Many of the skills developed through forestry training programmes are transferable across multiple sectors, strengthening South Africa’s broader workforce and contributing to long term economic resilience. 

By investing in youth and capacity building, the sector is helping create opportunities for permanent employment while empowering individuals to establish their own businesses and participate meaningfully to the economy.