Tree & Horticulture Apprentice

Summary

This apprenticeship will enable someone who has an existing, demonstrated interest in arboriculture to develop into a fully-fledged tree specialist. The apprentice will learn skills relevant to the managing and protecting of trees on publicly accessible land. The apprentice will gain practical experience caring for around 500 hectares of land.

Annual wage: £18,521.20 a year
Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
Training course: Arboriculturist (level 4)
Hours: Monday to Friday - flexible working hours. Shifts to be confirmed.
37 hours a week
Possible start date: Monday 4 November
Duration: 2 years 6 months
Positions available: 1

Work

As an apprentice, you’ll work at a company and get hands-on experience. You’ll gain new skills and work alongside experienced staff.

What you’ll do at work

Whilst in the workplace, the apprentice will be:

Managing our stock of trees, mostly through survey data with the opportunity to become involved in reviewing survey data and identifying works priorities.
Administering Tree Protection Orders and responding to requests for works to be carried out on trees located in conservation areas, which will include frequent site visits to undertake assessments.
Accompany the Council’s in-house Grounds Maintenance team and gain practical experience of horticultural operations.
In charge of methodical record keeping and data protection.

Where you’ll work

Honeywood Close

White Cliffs Business Park

Dover

Kent

CT16 3PJ

Training

An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying.

College or training organisation

PLUMPTON COLLEGE

Your training course

Arboriculturist (level 4)

Equal to higher national certificate (HNC)

Course contents

Tree inspection including assessment of health, defects, safety risks, site factors, planning requirements and aesthetics.

Interpret maps and plans.

Assess tree risk to inform decision making.

Specify arboricultural works.

Select advanced diagnostic equipment for tree risk assessment.

Select biosecurity protocols.

Follow instructions and processes.

Write arboricultural reports.

Use software-based tree management systems, including associated laptop and handheld remote working equipment.

Produce plans using digital mapping software (for example GIS).

Select and use different formats to communicate information (for example table, image, map, text, graph).

Collect, research and analyse arboricultural information and data including reliable information sources.

Advise on implications of arboricultural policy, legislation, regulation and best practice including local and national planning policy.

Identification of tree species, their characteristics and requirements for healthy growth.

Manage projects including working within budget, systems and processes.

Produce quotations or tenders including defining a scope/specification of work.

Foster professional relationships with clients, customers and colleagues and engage with the community.

Negotiate with colleagues and stakeholders to achieve desired outcomes.

Communicate information to technical and non- technical audiences using a range of techniques.

Take meeting notes or minutes.

Seek further information from managers, supervisors or colleagues, when necessary.

Create and evaluate relevant risk assessments and method statements for arboricultural operations.

Provide customer service.

Identify soil type, properties, condition and implications for tree health.

Value trees as assets for both amenity and ecosystem service provision.

Establish and monitor quality standards for tree work operations.

Promote the organisation, products, services or activities.

Collect tree data including taking measurements.

Make tree management recommendations verbally.

Identify tree pests and pathogens, assess impacts on tree health and suggest management responses.

Assess tree planting practices.

Your training plan

Training will occur through block release.
This will alternate between online teaching and in-person learning at Plumpton College.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

English (grade 4)
Maths (grade 4)

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
IT skills
Attention to detail
Organisation skills
Customer care skills
Problem solving skills
Presentation skills
Administrative skills
Number skills
Analytical skills
Logical
Team working
Initiative
Non judgemental
Patience
Physical fitness

Other requirements

This role will require you to be able to drive to and from location, having your own transportation is highly advised. The role will involve travel to Plumpton College every other month for up to 3 days. Please consider travel time or time away if overnight accommodation is considered Desired previous Level 3 Arboriculture qualification or Level 2 qualification with considerable experience within the industry. The interview process will contain a job role and experience suitability assessment.

About this company

The Dover District Council area is the part of Southeast England that is nearest to mainland Europe. The area covers approximately 121 square miles and includes three main towns, Dover, Deal and Sandwich as well as dozens of picturesque villages and hamlets which make East Kent such an attractive and popular place to live and work.

Company benefits

Private Healthcare will be provided to the successful candidate.

Disability Confident

A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions.

You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.

After this apprenticeship

Succession planning into the role of Tree & Horticultural Officer.

Ask a question

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