Tree surgeon apprenticeships - where to start
You can get into this job through
a university coursea college coursean apprenticeshipworking towards this role
University
You can study for a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree.
Relevant courses include:
- forestry
- arboriculture
- countryside management
- forest management
- woodland ecology and conservation
You'll usually need 1 or 2 A-Levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma. You'll need 2 to 3 A-Levels, or equivalent, for a degree.
College
You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. Relevant subjects include:
- Level 2 Certificate in Arboriculture
- Level 2 Work-based Trees and Timber
- Level 2 Felling and Processing Trees
- 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
You may be able to get into this job through an arborist or a forest operative Level 2 apprenticeship. You'll usually need some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent.
Work
You may be able to start as a ground worker, supporting a qualified tree surgeon. You could then work your way up by completing further training in the use of chainsaws, ropes, ladders and harnesses.
Courses are offered by private training providers and further education colleges.
Volunteering
It can be useful to get some experience of tree work by volunteering with conservation organisations or horticultural groups. For example, The Tree Council, the National Trust and the Woodland Trust about opportunities.
Tree surgeon apprenticeships - what it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- physical skills like movement and co-ordination
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to work well with others
- the ability to work well with your hands
- knowledge of public safety and security
- the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- customer service skills
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Restrictions and Requirements
You'll need to:
- be able to cope with working at height
- have a Certificate of Competence, if you carry out hazardous tasks using a chainsaw
- a driving licence and access to a vehicle to travel to jobs
Tree surgeon apprenticeships - what you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
Day-to-day, you could:
- identify hazards posed by trees
- assess tree health and treatment
- climb trees to prune or remove branches
- plant trees and vegetation
- fell and remove trees and grind stumps
- chip and cut logs and branches
- service equipment like chainsaws and chippers
- produce tree survey reports for domestic and commercial clients
- deal with clients and complete admin tasks
Working environment
You could work in parks and gardens, on the streets, in woodland or on rail tracks.
Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers, at height, dusty and physically demanding.
You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.
Career path and progression - Tree surgeon apprenticeships
With qualifications and experience, you could progress to supervisor or manager. You could also start your own business.
You could move into recreational tree climbing, taking people into treetops as an outdoor activity.