Apprentice Arborist

NEIL SHADBOLT TREE SURGERY LTD

DUNSTABLE (LU6 3QD)

Closes on Friday 30 January 2026

Posted on 17 December 2025

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Summary

You will learn all the techniques for climbing trees safely and learn the skills for doing all sorts of tree works including felling, reductions, hedge cutting and learning about all the specialist equipment and how to use it efficiently and safely.

This role is based across Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

Wage

Competitive

Competitive wage offered

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course
Arborist (level 2)
Hours
Monday - Friday (8 hours). Potential to work some weekends.

40 hours a week

Start date

Monday 2 February 2026

Duration

1 year 6 months

Positions available

1

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

  • Be involved with loading all equipment required for each day
  • Be present for risk assessment and work briefing
  • Assist with setting up the work site e.g signs and bollards, notifying customers and or members of the public
  • Assist with the tree work operations and assist with clearing all the debris from site Including operating the chipper
  • Help to clear the site and leave no trace of tree and make sure all tools and equipment are loaded for return to the yard
  • Assist with maintenance, cleaning and documenting of all equipment, machinery and vehicles

Where you'll work

18 BOWLAND CRESCENT
DUNSTABLE
LU6 3QD

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

THE WINDSOR FOREST COLLEGES GROUP

Training course

Arborist (level 2)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents
  • Recognise health and safety needs onsite and work safely
  • Complete site-specific risk assessments and emergency action plans
  • Select appropriate equipment for tree work operations
  • Set out workplace signage (highway & non highway) and assists with traffic control
  • Process tree work arisings using appropriate machinery
  • Maintain and take appropriate care of tools, equipment and other onsite factors (such as customer or public buildings etc.)
  • Recognise a variety of tree species using common names
  • Carry out a range of formative pruning operations
  • Carry out branch removal up to 200mm diameter with hand tools (target pruning for final cut).
  • Fell and process small trees up to 380mm diameter.
  • Support aerial tree workers with transfer of equipment for aerial tree work operations
  • Perform an aerial rescue of colleague from a rope and harness
  • Work safely at height in the tree under supervision
  • Communicate technical information about arboricultural operations to fellow team members, clients and other stakeholders as required.
  • Recognise health and safety needs onsite and work safely
  • Complete site-specific risk assessments and emergency action plans
  • Select appropriate equipment for tree work operations
  • Set out workplace signage (highway & non highway) and assists with traffic control
  • Process tree work arisings using appropriate machinery
  • Maintain and take appropriate care of tools, equipment and other onsite factors (such as customer or public buildings etc.)
  • Recognise a variety of tree species using common names
  • Carry out a range of formative pruning operations
  • Carry out branch removal up to 200mm diameter with hand tools (target pruning for final cut).
  • Fell and process small trees up to 380mm diameter.
  • Support aerial tree workers with transfer of equipment for aerial tree work operations
  • Perform an aerial rescue of colleague from a rope and harness
  • Work safely at height in the tree under supervision
  • Communicate technical information about arboricultural operations to fellow team members, clients and other stakeholders as required.

Training schedule

Attend BCA once a fortnight.

Spend the rest of the time at place of employment.

Requirements

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

  • Team working
  • Physical fitness
  • Reliable
  • Full, Clean Driving License
  • Keen to Learn
  • Mechanical Minded

Other requirements

  • Must be a driver with access to vehicle to commute to work place and college when required
  • Must be physically fit and good with working outdoors

About this employer

We are a small family run company with over 40 years of experience within the arboricultural industry. Providing tree surgery across Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

We have Arb Association accreditation.

After this apprenticeship

Possible permanent employment and even further education prospect.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

THE WINDSOR FOREST COLLEGES GROUP

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000005008.

Apply now

Closes on Friday 30 January 2026

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