Course overview
An Arborist, also known as a Tree Surgeon, plays an important role in supporting biodiversity by carrying out practical solutions for tree management. The work of an Arborist can span diverse urban and rural locations, including city parks, urban woodlands, country estates, private gardens and along highways and railways.
The work of an arborist involves a range of specialised technical activities such as chainsaw operation, aerial tree work, pruning, dismantling and using appropriate machinery such as brushwood chippers.
If you would like to start a career or further your skills in arboriculture and forestry, this apprenticeship is perfect for you. Future career development may lead to roles involving the inspection and survey of individual and woodland trees, advising landowners on vital tree care, or to the teaching of others on the benefits of responsible tree management.
You will learn
- How to recognise health and safety needs onsite and work safely
- How to complete site-specific risk assessments and emergency action plans
- How to select appropriate equipment for the loading and unloading of equipment safely
- How to set out workplace signage (highway and non-highway) and assists with traffic control
- How to process tree work using appropriate machinery
- The benefits of trees
- The use and application of arborist equipment
- The principles of the establishment, growth and care of trees
- The importance of identifying trees and the value of using their scientific names
- The importance of identifying and managing pests, diseases and disorders of trees
Apprenticeship Standard: Arborist (Level 2)
Level 2 Award in Manually Fed Wood Chipper
Level 2 Certificate of Competence in Felling Small Trees up to 380 mm
Level 2 Certificate of Competence in Chainsaw Maintenance and Cross Cutting
Level 2 Certificate of Competence in tree Climbing and Aerial Rescue
Level 2 Certificate of Competence in Using a Chainsaw from Rope and Harness
Level 3 Emergency First Aid at Work Award
Traffic Management Unit
Functional Skills in English and maths (if required)
Be at least 16 on entry.
Have proven abilities in English and Maths which are equivalent to GCSE grade 2 and above (E and above).
Be employed within the arboriculture industry, working on average at least 30 hours per week under a contract of employment.
Funding for this apprenticeship programme is dependant on the size of your business and the apprentice(s) recruited. Large employers will fund the programme though their Apprenticeship Levy whilst smaller employers may need to contribute up to 5% per apprentice to the total cost of training.
For further information, support with recruitment through the Capel Manor College Apprenticeship Talent Bank, or to discuss apprenticeship training for your existing team, please contact our Business Development Team at https://www.capel.ac.uk/employers-hub/apprenticeships/hiring-an-apprentice/.
Upon completion of this apprenticeship, you can become a Team Supervisor and once more experience is gained, you could apply for the Level 4 Arboriculturist apprenticeship.
As an apprentice, you do not pay for your course. Your employer pays all or part of the fee. We collect the remainder through our government contract.
