Summary
We are looking for a hardworking and enthusiastic apprentice to help undertake a variety of commercial and domestic work excluding utilities. Although a lot of the work we do is residential, an example of some of the high level work we undertake can be found here:
Wage
£15,704 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age
National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices
Pay review every 6 months.
Training course
Arborist (level 2)
Hours
Hours of work are generally 8.00am - 4:30pm, Monday to Friday.
40 hours a week
Start date
Tuesday 1 July 2025
Duration
2 years
Positions available
1
Work
Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.
What you’ll do at work
You need to be prepared to work to a high standard of health and safety; produce work of a high quality; be a reliable member of the team; observant and responsive to visual cues with good time management and attention to detail.
Your working day will consist of:
* Selecting appropriate equipment for the day ahead and unload equipment safely.
* Process tree work arisings using appropriate machinery.
* Maintaining and using a variety of machinery such as chainsaws, hedge cutters, wood chippers and stump grinders.
* Recognise a range of tree and shrub species.
* Identify pests, diseases, disorders and tree defects.
* Carry out a range of ground-based pruning operations.
* Fell and process small trees.
* Climbing and carrying out tree work at height.
Where you’ll work
4 Otmoor View
Merton
Bicester
OX25 2NL
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
College or training organisation
WARWICKSHIRE COLLEGE
Your training course
Arborist (level 2)
Equal to GCSE
Course contents
* Recognise health and safety needs onsite and work safely
* Complete site-specific risk assessments and emergency action plans
* Select appropriate equipment for tree work operations
* Set out workplace signage (highway & non highway) and assists with traffic control
* Process tree work arisings using appropriate machinery
* Maintain and take appropriate care of tools, equipment and other onsite factors (such as customer or public buildings etc.)
* Recognise a variety of tree species using common names
* Carry out a range of formative pruning operations
* Carry out branch removal up to 200mm diameter with hand tools (target pruning for final cut).
* Fell and process small trees up to 380mm diameter.
* Support aerial tree workers with transfer of equipment for aerial tree work operations
* Perform an aerial rescue of colleague from a rope and harness
* Work safely at height in the tree under supervision
* Communicate technical information about arboricultural operations to fellow team members, clients and other stakeholders as required.
* Recognise health and safety needs onsite and work safely
* Complete site-specific risk assessments and emergency action plans
* Select appropriate equipment for tree work operations
* Set out workplace signage (highway & non highway) and assists with traffic control
* Process tree work arisings using appropriate machinery
* Maintain and take appropriate care of tools, equipment and other onsite factors (such as customer or public buildings etc.)
* Recognise a variety of tree species using common names
* Carry out a range of formative pruning operations
* Carry out branch removal up to 200mm diameter with hand tools (target pruning for final cut).
* Fell and process small trees up to 380mm diameter.
* Support aerial tree workers with transfer of equipment for aerial tree work operations
* Perform an aerial rescue of colleague from a rope and harness
* Work safely at height in the tree under supervision
* Communicate technical information about arboricultural operations to fellow team members, clients and other stakeholders as required.
Your training plan
Qualifications achieved:
* Level 2 award in felling and processing trees up to 380mm
* Level 2 award in accessing a tree using a rope and harness
* Level 3 award in aerial tree rescue operations
* Level 3 award in aerial cutting of trees using free fall techniques
* Level 2 award in emergency first aid at work
* Level 2 award in safe use of brushwood chipper
* Traffic Management (NRSWA Unit 002 Signing, Lighting and Guarding) OR Sector Scheme 12D
* Level 2 award in chainsaw maintenance
* Level 2 award in cross cutting timber using a chainsaw
* Level 2 Arborist apprenticeship
Functional Skills English and Maths if required.
More training information
Block Release Learning Weeks at Pershore College and online Masterclasses throughout the apprenticeship.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
* Maths & English (grade C/4 or above)
Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.
Skills
* Communication skills
* Attention to detail
* Organisation skills
* Customer care skills
* Problem solving skills
* Team working
* Initiative
* Physical fitness
Other requirements
You must be physically fit and prepare to work outside in all weathers. Driving license desirable