An arborist will undertake aerial tree work but may also be ground-based. They do a range of tree work jobs with indirect supervision. They are capable of supporting the tree work team across a range of basic technical skills.
Entry requirements
Grade requirements: You will need a minimum of GSCE Maths and English grade 3 or D, or equivalent.
Course content
You will gain knowledge in:
- The principles and importance of identifying trees and the value of using their scientific names
- The principles and importance of identifying and managing pests, diseases and disorders of trees
- Current environmental, wildlife and health and safety legislation, standards and codes of practice in relation to arboricultural works
Units may include:
- Using and maintaining a chainsaw
- Felling and processing trees
- Climbing trees using a rope and harness, and using elevated platforms
- Recognising different types of trees and shrubs
- Identifying and managing pests, diseases and tree defects
Assessment methods
You will be assessed by:
- Final end point assessments shall be composed of four elements:
- A holistic project – giving the apprentice the opportunity to undertake a business related project over a one-week period away from the normal workplace
- A structured interview with an assessor exploring what has been produced during the apprenticeship and the project plus testing additional knowledge not covered elsewhere. This will be based on the apprentice diary and knowledge assessments (portfolio) completed during the apprenticeship
- Multiple choice online knowledge tests
- Practical tests
All end point assessments are externally assessed.
Qualifications
You will gain the following qualification:
Work-Based Trees & Timber (Arboriculture) NPTC/City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma
Plus…
- Emergency First Aid at Work Level 2 Award
- Chainsaw Maintenance Level 2 Award
- Crosscutting Timber Using a Chainsaw Level 2 Award
- Felling and Processing Trees up to 380mm Level 2 Award
- Accessing a Tree Using a Rope and Harness Level 2 Award
- Aerial Cutting of Trees Using Free Fall Techniques Level 3 Award
- Use of a Chainsaw From a Mobile Elevated Work Platform (MEWP) Level 3 Award
By his own confession, Tim is a real ‘outdoorsy’ type! He started working at Center Parcs Woburn Forest two years ago as a Ground Assistant. While he had plenty of experience in construction and carpentry, he had no formal qualifications.
“I was a police officer for three years”, said Tim, “but what I love about being involved in the outdoors is that you can immediately see where you’ve been and the progress made. You can’t do that in the police force; it’s very paperwork heavy.”
In his role as Ground Assistant, Center Parcs gave Tim the opportunity to become qualified through the apprenticeship programme at Shuttleworth College. “They’re committed to ongoing training and investing in their employees”, said Tim. “Although I could do all the manual stuff, it was about learning the approved methods.”
The apprenticeship took Tim 18 months to complete with day release from work to attend College once a week. “My tutors were great, very helpful and I could approach them with any questions or queries. I didn’t find it a problem getting back into learning after so long.”
Tim’s apprenticeship covered the skills and knowledge required for a wide variety of arboriculture duties, such as preparing sites for planting, controlling unwanted vegetation and maintaining health and safety. He gained the Work-Based Trees & Timber (Arboriculture) NPTC/City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma plus Forestry and Arboriculture City & Guilds Certificate and he is now considering other day and short course qualifications to complement his career plans.
Tim is now a Senior Ranger at Center Parcs Woburn Forest. “Everything from emptying bins to cutting down trees, this job involves carpentry work and ground work too”, he explained. “It’s all about reacting to the jobs that come in in a timely and correct manner. It was definitely worth taking on the apprenticeship as it’s given me the formal qualifications I needed to progress my career.”
Tim – Arborist Apprenticeship Level 2
Further study and career options
Further study: On successful completion of this apprenticeship you can progress on to an advanced apprenticeship or further arboriculture qualifications.
Future careers: These qualifications can help you to progress in roles such as forest worker, forest officer or arboriculturalist.