Successful training programme from VMS is helping to grow the next generation
An employee new to vegetation management is reaping the rewards of a dedicated
training and development programme thanks to leading UK-based vegetation
management and landscaping contractor, VMS Ltd.
Jamie Bye joined the company as an operative in April 2025 with no previous
experience, having previously worked for six years in the Army, followed by three years with the Police and then two years in recruitment.
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That’s a remarkable amount of work hours for a single machine, the Norcar 600 owned by Erkki Rinne is taken well care of, it even has the original Diesel engine.
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Kieran Anders is a forestry contractor working in the lake district. His work involves hand cutting and extracting timber using a skidder and tractor-trailer forwarder.
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It is not possible to eliminate chain shot, but there are simple steps that can be taken to reduce the risk.
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Arwel takes great pride in the fact that the mill has no waste whatsoever, “the peelings are used for children’s playgrounds, gardens and for farm animals in barns in the winter and the sawdust has multiple uses in gardens and farms as well.
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Timber hauliers need to encourage young blood in, and also look after the hauliers we have, we need make the sector a safe and positive place to work.
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He was looking for positive change in his career and after Googling ‘outdoor jobs’, saw the role of operator at VMS and hasn’t looked back since.
As part of his role, he has already undertaken a wide range of extensive training, including his strimmer, hedge cutter and chainsaw tickets, water rescue and safety, towing, scythe and 4×4 training.
All training has been carried out by VMS’ Lantra Approved training division, VMT Ltd, which is helping non-skilled employees build rewarding, long-term, careers.
Of the opportunity to upskill in a new industry, Jamie said: “I joined the Army at 18 simply because I didn’t know what I wanted to do as a career. Having then moved into working for the Police and then recruitment, I soon realised that I actually wanted a get
outside and didn’t want to be at a desk anymore.
“That’s when I applied for the role as operator and I have been happy ever since. I love the variety of the role which means that one day I could be taking down trees, jumping in rivers, or turfing!
“The fact that VMS is willing to invest time and money in my training makes me feel like I have job security. I certainly see myself staying here and going through the ranks.”
In acknowledgement of VMS’ commitment to training and career progression, the company picked up the Employer of the Year award at the Northamptonshire Business Awards in late 2024.
“Training and development continues to be at the forefront of our agenda,” comments training department manager, Helen Mallett.
“With the skills gap in our industry predicted to see workforce growth go down 1.6% by 2028, we firmly believe that training and development is key.
“All of our employees can expect to receive mentoring and complete accredited courses to give them the knowledge, safety awareness and practical skills needed to progress from entry level roles right through to fully qualified arborists and team leaders.
“Even those joining with little or no prior experience are given the opportunity to gain professional qualifications and hands-on field experience. In fact, many of our senior team members started with us with no formal qualifications and now lead crews or
manage projects across the UK!
“Jamie is a very much welcome new member of the team and we look forward to seeing how his career develops with us.”
For more information on careers at VMS Ltd visit https://vmsltd.net/careers
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Written by loggers for loggers and dedicated solely to the equipment used in forestry operations.