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Apprentice Forestry and Estate Maintenance Operative
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Level 2 Arborist Apprenticeship
This apprenticeship provides an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic and practical individual to start a career in forestry and estate management. Working alongside experienced members of staff, the successful applicant will work towards their Level 2 Arborist apprenticeship.
Wage
- £16,224 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age
- National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices
- Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
Training Course
- Arborist (level 2)
Hours
- Monday-Thursday 08.00-16.00
- Friday 08.00-15.30. 30 mins lunch.
- 39 hours a week
Start Date
- Friday 25 September 2026
Duration
- 1 year 6 months
Positions Available
- 1
Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.
What you'll do at work
- Tree planting and woodland establishment
- Tree felling and woodland management operations
- Assisting with arboriculture work and management of individual trees
- Fencing installation, repairs and maintenance
- Upkeep of estate infrastructure including stone walls, tracks and paths
- Parkland maintenance & habitat creation projects
- Tractor and trailer operations
- Safe use and maintenance of tools, machinery and equipment
- Supporting wider estate maintenance activities as required
- Following health and safety procedures and industry best practice at all times
Where you'll work
RABY ESTATES OFFICE
STAINDROP
DARLINGTON
COUNTY DURHAM
DL2 3NF
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training Provider
- EAST DURHAM COLLEGE
Training Course
- Arborist (level 2)
- Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)
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What you'll learn
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.
Training Schedule
The apprenticeship will take place 4 x days per week in the workplace, with 1 x day release at Houghall Campus per week.
Essential Qualifications
- GCSE in:
- English (grade 4 or above)
- Maths (grade 4 or above)
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Problem solving skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Initiative
- Patience
- Physical fitness
- Full UK Driving Licence
Other Requirements
- Successful candidate must have a full UK drivers licence.
- Must be comfortable working at height in all weathers.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Raby is a thriving, family-run estate under the stewardship of the Vane family, with a rich heritage and a forward-looking vision. Steeped in history, Raby Castle is surrounded by over 200 acres of beautiful parkland in County Durham, Raby has been home to generations of the Vane family and remains a vibrant destination offering tourism, hospitality, and events throughout the year.
In addition to Raby Castle and its grounds, the estate also includes High Force Waterfall, one of England’s most spectacular natural attractions, and the High Force Hotel, which offers accommodation and dining in the heart of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The estate comprises extensive landholdings across County Durham and Shropshire, with a focus on sustainable land management and stewardship of the countryside.
https://www.raby.co.uk/raby-castle/ (opens in new tab)
Company Benefits
- 33 days holiday, including statutory holidays
- Group Pension Scheme with a 7.7% employer contribution
- Group Life Insurance
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Health Cash Plan
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Buy/Sell Holiday Scheme
- Free on-site car parking
- Discounts at Raby retail and food outlets
- Discounts at Raby’s High Force Hotel
- Complimentary access to Raby Castle and High Force leisure attractions
Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).
Potential full-time employment upon successful completion of the apprenticeship.
The Contact for This Apprenticeship
- EAST DURHAM COLLEGE
- Adam Heslop
- adam.heslop@eastdurham.ac.uk
- 01915185589
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000052041.
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