Arboricultural officer apprenticeships - where to start
You can get into this job through
a university coursea college courseworking towards this roleapplying directly
University
You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like:
forestry
arboriculture
countryside management
forest management
woodland ecology and conservation
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
More Information
equivalent entry requirements
student finance for fees and living costs
university courses and entry requirements
College
You could do a course at an agricultural college, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. Relevant subjects include:
- Level 2 Certificate in Arboriculture
- Level 3 Diploma in Forestry and Arboriculture
You'll usually need 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a Level 2 course. You'll need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a Level 3 course.
Apprenticeship
The following Apprenticeships may help you get into this role:
- Level 2 Arborist
- Level 2 Forest operative
These Apprenticeships typically take 24 months to complete. You'll usually need some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent.
Work
You could join an organisation as an assistant arboricultural officer, if you've got the right qualifications, certificates of competence and experience, for example as a tree surgeon or groundworker.
Volunteering
You may find it useful when applying for jobs if you have some relevant work experience. You can get this through working with local authority parks departments, landscaping firms, and tree surgery and forestry contractors.
You can also find volunteering opportunities with conservation bodies.
Direct Application
You could apply directly to become an arboricultural officer. You'll usually need:
- experience of working in a related job, like an arboricultural assistant, tree surgeon, ecologist or landscape architect
- a nationally recognised arboricultural qualification like the Level 4 Certificate in Arboriculture
Other Routes
If you have completed a degree in a relevant subject, you can apply for a graduate training scheme with Forestry England.
Arboricultural officer apprenticeships - what it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- knowledge of geography
- the ability to use your initiative
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to work well with others
- administration skills
- excellent verbal communication skills
- thinking and reasoning skills
- knowledge of maths
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
Arboricultural officer apprenticeships - what you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
You could:
- advise on tree protection and preservation orders in planning applications
- manage trees in parks, on housing estates and at the roadside
- organise tree planting schemes
- carry out tree surveys and monitor tree numbers, using technology
- supervise tree care and tree planting contracts on site
- give demonstrations and talks on arboriculture and woodlands to schools and community groups
- assess tree damage after storms
- train new staff and volunteers
Working environment
You could work in woodland, in an office, in parks and gardens or on the streets.
Your working environment may be at height and outdoors in all weathers.
You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.
Career path and progression - Arboricultural officer apprenticeships
With experience, you could manage a team of arboricultural officers, for example in a local authority, and co-ordinate work with outside contractors.
You could also work as a consultant, advising organisations on tree management, conservation and safety.
You may find opportunities with training providers who offer courses in arboriculture.