Apprentice Arborist

PEABODY TRUST

Erith, Kent (DA18 4AA)

Closes in 12 days (Wednesday 24 June 2026)

Posted on 11 June 2026

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Summary

As an Apprentice Arborist at Peabody, you’ll begin your career in tree care, working as part of our Tree Services team across Thamesmead.

Wage

£25,120 a year

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course
Arborist (level 2)
Hours
Monday - Friday, 8.00am - 3.30pm

35 hours a week

Start date

Saturday 1 August 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

  • Support tree work operations including pruning, reductions, crown lifting and pollarding
  • Assist with tree felling and stump removal following safe working practices
  • Help install and maintain tree support and bracing systems
  • Learn how to inspect and assess trees with experienced arborists
  • Use and maintain tools and equipment safely, including chainsaws, ropes and harnesses (training provided)
  • Follow instructions and support the team to complete work safely and on time
  • Complete apprenticeship training, coursework and practical assessments
  • Record work activities and maintain accurate documentation where required
  • Communicate professionally with residents, colleagues and members of the public
  • Follow all Health & Safety procedures to ensure safe working at all times

Where you'll work

61 Hailey Road
Erith, Kent
DA18 4AA

Training

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

Training provider

ACTIVATE LEARNING

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

This training schedule has not been finalised. Check with this employer if you’ll need to travel to a college or training location for this apprenticeship.

Requirements

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

Skills

  • Logical
  • Creative
  • Patience
  • Physical fitness

About this employer

The Peabody Group is responsible for 66,000 homes in London and the South East. We have 17,500 care and support customers. Our mission is to help people make the most of their lives.

Company benefits

  • 30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
  • Two paid volunteering days each year
  • Fully funded apprenticeship programme
  • Ongoing mentoring and career development
  • Life assurance at 4x your salary
  • Up to 10% pension contribution

After this apprenticeship

  • Qualified Arborist 

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

ACTIVATE LEARNING

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000036669.

Apply now

Closes in 12 days (Wednesday 24 June 2026)

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