Arborist Apprentice

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: https://youtu.be/bCDLPokhDnU

Wage

£15,704 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

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

About this company

We are a small, family run company based in Bicester who complete mainly domestic work but have contracts with the OUH, Oxford Diocese and a local National Trust Estate.

http://www.bicestertreeservices.co.uk/ (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

Full time employment upon completion of apprenticeship

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

WARWICKSHIRE COLLEGE

SARAH ASHMORE

sashmore@warwickshire.ac.uk

07740419319

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000306782.

Apply now

Closes on Sunday 15 June 2025

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