Apprentice Arborist ARBOR TREE SPECIALISTS LTD

Our company based in Oxfordshire. We, a friendly, experienced crew with an emphasis on an intelligent forward-thinking approach to arb work, are looking for a bright, self-motivated individual who has a passion for trees, the outdoors and for learning, someone who is committed to fulfilling their ambitions as a fully-fledged well-rounded arborist.

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Closing date: 17 May 2024

Apprenticeship summary

  • Annual wage

    £16,000.00

  • Working week

    Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 3.30pm

    Total hours per week: 40.0

  • Expected duration

    24 Months

  • Possible start date

    31 May 2024

  • Date posted

    13 Mar 2024

  • Apprenticeship level

    Intermediate
    Level 2 (GCSE)

  • Reference number

    VAC1000237413

  • Positions

    1 available

What you will do in your working day

Tree surgery/Arboriculture requires a good level of fitness and a willingness to persevere in adverse weather conditions where safety is paramount.

As a training arborist you will carry out the daily tasks along with the rest of the crew to include:

  • Loading/unloading the arb trucks
  • Hitching/un-hitching the trailers/chippers
  • Servicing chainsaws/equipment
  • Improving/learning climbing based work
  • Improving/learning MEWP based work
  • Using mechanical loaders (Avant)
  • Improving/learning site safety and efficiency
  • Improving/learning the importance of leaving a site, safe and tidy

The above are included but not inclusive of all the tasks we carry out at the company- no day is the same- it’s the challenge and the interesting part of the job.

The training you will be getting

  • Level 2 Arborist Apprenticeship standard including;
    • Level 3 award in emergency first aid at work

    • Level 2 award in safe use of brushwood chipper

    • Traffic Management (NRSWA Unit 002 Signing, Lighting and Guarding) OR Sector Scheme 12D

    • Level 2 award in chainsaw maintenance

    • Level 2 award in crosscutting timber using a chainsaw

    • Level 2 award in felling and processing trees up to 380mm

    • Level 2 award in accessing a tree using a rope and harness

    • Level 3 award in aerial tree rescue operations

    • Level 3 award in aerial cutting of trees using free fall techniques

    • Level 2 award in safe use of mobile elevated work platform

    • Level 3 award in use of a chainsaw from a Mobile Elevated Work Platform (MEWP)

  • Level 2 Functional Skills in English and maths if required
  • Weekly day release into Berkshire College of Agriculture Campus

What to expect at the end of your apprenticeship

Possible permanent employment with the company with the opportunities for career progression and further training and development.

Requirements and prospects

Desired skills and personal qualities

Organisation skills, Team working, Non judgemental, Physical fitness, Passion for the outdoors, Passion for trees and nature, Willingness to learn, Time keeping, Polite and positive attitude

Qualifications

GCSE or equivalent English and maths (Grade C/4 or equivalent) Desired

Things to consider

Tree surgery/Arboriculture requires a good level of fitness and a willingness to persevere in adverse weather conditions where safety is paramount. Morning meeting point is in the yard, JTW Cox Farms Beckley Oxford OX3 9UR . A full clean UK driving licence would be desirable, due to location, but the ability to be able to travel to our yard would be adequate.

About the employer

Tim O’Connor, Director and owner of Arbor Tree Specialists Ltd is in the position of having a varied background in practical arboriculture (tree surgery) and can draw on this practical knowledge in the theoretical setting of tree surveying. He carries the Level 4 Diploma in arboriculture (L4 Dip Arb) and has nearly 20 years industry experience. Tim worked for a large firm in Sussex for many years prior to returning to his home county of Oxford to set up Arbor Tree Specialists Ltd in 2010. He is passionate about trees, nature and the environment and is looking for an apprentice with similar interests to fulfil their ambitions as a fully-fledged, well-rounded arborist. As an Arb approved contractor, we pride ourselves on a high quality of work, expert advice and customer service. We have a wide varied client base, looking after many school sites with large open grown trees and also, smaller domestic back gardens with small trees to prune and/or large trees which require a high level of technical skill to complete jobs in small spaces.

Employer

ARBOR TREE SPECIALISTS LTD

Address

JTW Cox Farms

Beckley

OX3 9UR

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Training

Training provider

THE WINDSOR FOREST COLLEGES GROUP

Adjustments for experience

You could reduce your training time, or finish your apprenticeship faster, if you have relevant prior learning or experience. This could be relevant:

  • training
  • qualifications, like an NVQ in a relevant field
  • industry or sector experience

Contact

Tim O'Connor

arbortim@yahoo.co.uk

Apprenticeship standard

Arborist

Level 2 (GCSE)

Demonstrating experience

If your application is successful, you will have a chance to discuss your relevant prior learning or experience with your training provider and employer. You will all need to agree any adjustments to your training plan.

You should be prepared to show your competence, and evidence of relevant qualifications

Before you apply

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