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Arborist Apprentice
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Apprentice Arborist
As an Apprentice Arborist, you will learn how to manage and maintain trees in urban environments, working as part of a professional arboriculture team. This role is ideal for someone that is passionate about nature, physical outdoor work, and developing a career in tree management.
Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.
What you'll do at work
- Learn to safely operate and maintain arborist tools and equipment (e.g. chainsaws, chippers)
- Assist with tree pruning, felling, and removal under supervision
- Participate in tree planting and aftercare
- Support senior arborists and team members as needed
- Work at height using ropes, harnesses, and climbing techniques
- Follow health & safety procedures and industry best practices
- Attend training sessions and complete coursework, as required by the apprenticeship
Where you'll work
40 Harris Lane
Shenley
Radlett
WD7 9EG
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
THE WINDSOR FOREST COLLEGES GROUP
Training course
Arborist (level 2)
What you'll learn
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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
Once per fortnight at BCA College
Essential qualifications
- GCSE in:
- English and Maths (grade 4/C or higher)
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About this employer
Gristwood & Toms is one of the UK's leading arboricultural (tree care) specialists, providing nationwide tree management, consultancy, surveying, planting, and maintenance services for local authorities, commercial organisations, schools, the NHS, and private clients. Founded in 1974, it is now part of the Nurture Group while continuing to operate under its own brand. We offer a complete "one-stop-shop" for everything tree-related—from tree surgery and inspections to planning advice, pest management, and subsidence investigations. With over 50 years of experience, we are one of the largest dedicated arboricultural contractors in the UK, delivering services nationwide.
After this apprenticeship
- Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).
- Possible permanent employment
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
THE WINDSOR FOREST COLLEGES GROUP
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000044463.
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