L2 Arborist Apprentice - RHS Bridgewater

THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

Manchester (M28 2LJ)

Closes on Sunday 22 February 2026

Posted on 9 January 2026

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Summary

Are you interested in learning about trees, woodlands, arboriculture, arboretums and forest ecology?

The Level 2 Arborist apprenticeship at RHS Garden Bridgewater will support you to learn and develop your knowledge and skills by working alongside our knowledgeable, skilled and experienced staff.

Wage

£23,810 a year

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course
Arborist (level 2)
Hours
Monday to Friday 7.30am - 3.30pm, with some occasional weekend work (time off in lieu).

38 hours a week

Start date

Wednesday 5 August 2026

Duration

2 years

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

  • Carry out practical work, in all weathers and across the seasons
    Spend time with the Arborist team
  • For more details on the range of garden areas you would work in, visit: https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/bridgewater/garden-highlights
  • Learn how to use appropriate techniques, tools and machinery, to cultivate, establish and care for our woody plant collections all year round. Including chainsaw operations, tree climbing (working from heights), climbing with a chainsaw, tree felling and working with a range of different machinery
  • Work safely and garden sustainably

Where you'll work

RHS Garden Bridgewater
Leigh Road
Worsley
Manchester
M28 2LJ

Training

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

Training provider

MYERSCOUGH COLLEGE

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

Training will take place at Myerscough College near Preston on a day release basis, most likely weekly.

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English (grade 4-9)
  • Maths (grade 4-9)

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

Skills

  • Communication skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Organisation skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Logical
  • Team working
  • Initiative
  • Physical fitness

Other requirements

Comfortable working with machines and at height (i.e. chainsaws).

The ability work outside in all weathers.

About this employer

As a charity, we want to inspire a passion for gardening and growing plants, promote the value of gardens, demonstrate how gardening is good for us and explain the vital role that plants play. The RHS is committed to be an inclusive employer and welcomes applications from all backgrounds to stay inclusive and avoid indirect discrimination.

http://rhs.org.uk (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

  • Further training in Arboriculture
  • Full time employment in public gardens and parks, with local authorities or tree care contractors

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

MYERSCOUGH COLLEGE

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000007918.

Apply now

Closes on Sunday 22 February 2026

After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.