Apprentice Arborist

Summary

Apprentice Arborists play a key support role in our cutting team, helping with the safe clearance and maintenance of trees. Under the guidance of experienced climbers and using modern equipment, you’ll gain hands-on skills and training at the cutting edge of Oakwicks operations.

Wage

£14,722.50 to £23,809.50, depending on your age

National Minimum Wage

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Training course

Arborist (level 2)

Hours

Monday - Friday 8am-4pm.

37 hours 30 minutes a week

Start date

Monday 1 September 2025

Duration

1 year 6 months

Positions available

6

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

Oakwicks Utility Arborists are looking for Apprentice Arborist who are ready to learn, physically fit, and mentally prepared for hands-on, outdoor work. As an apprentice, you’ll be training in a role that requires stamina, strength, and the ability to stay focused in all types of weather.
We’re after individuals who are reliable, eager to develop their skills, and can work both independently and as part of a close-knit team. Clear communication and a can-do attitude are key, especially as you’ll be learning in dynamic, fast-paced, and sometimes high-risk environments. With the right mindset, this is a great opportunity to build a solid career from the ground up.

Main duties and responsibilities

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, be 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 unloading equipment safely
Process tree work arising 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.

About the team

As an Apprentice Arborist, you’ll be learning on the job as part of a small, supportive team, usually made up of a Team Leader, a qualified Arborist, and a Ground-Based Operative. You’ll work closely with them to build your skills and confidence in a hands-on environment. Sometimes, you may also join larger teams when bigger projects require extra support.
Throughout your apprenticeship, you’ll gain experience working in a range of settings—from private properties to public spaces—where you’ll occasionally interact with landowners and members of the public. You’ll also have the chance to work alongside specialists like ecologists and engage with our main client, helping you develop valuable communication and teamwork skills that are essential in the field.

Where you’ll work

32 Carre Street
Sleaford
NG34 7TR

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 Arborist apprenticeship
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 the 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

More training information

Pershore College.

Block Release Learning.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

English, Maths (grade C/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
Attention to detail
Organisation skills
Customer care skills
Team working
Initiative
Physical fitness
Able to work in all weathers

Other requirements

Where you will be working in a Field Based Role, reporting to a central location daily. Occasional block release to college.  Able to work in all weathers in a physically demanding role  Experience of operating in a small team environment  Able to communicate effectively  Able to remain professional at all times Desirable –  Driving License  Understanding of Health and Safety  Work experience in a similar field Legal and equal employment considerations All applicants must be able to satisfy us that they have got right to work in the UK All applicants must be willing to undergo a DBS check All applicants must pass a medical examination prior to appointment All applications will be screened inline with the Equality Act 2010 and inline with our Equal Opportunities Policy

About this company

At Oakwick Utility Arborists, we lead the way in utility vegetation management—combining expert arboriculture, environmental responsibility, and cutting-edge innovation. Our work safeguards essential infrastructure while protecting natural ecosystems, all underpinned by rigorous safety standards and a strong client-focused approach. Operating contracts across Lincolnshire, East Anglia, and the South Coast, we’re committed to progress that respects the environment, supports communities, and drives lasting results.

https://www.oakwick.co.uk/ (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

 Company Pension.  Excellent holiday entitlement.  Opportunity to progress.  Ongoing CPD opportunities.  Full PPE provided.

After this apprenticeship

A full-time position on successful completion of the 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 VAC1000316841.

Apply now

Closes on Friday 4 July 2025

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