Arborist Apprentice

R J Tree Services

SURBITON (KT5 8EW)

Closes on Thursday 20 August 2026

Posted on 17 June 2026

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Summary

We have a long association with Merrist Wood College employing many once the course is completed. 

The experienced climber team is supported by team-based ground workers. Operations often includes rigging systems and cherry pickers. We are very much a customer focussed company.

Wage

£16,640 to £26,436.80, depending on your age

National Minimum Wage

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course
Arborist (level 2)
Hours
Number of Hours: 40 Lunch break length: varies 15 to 60 minutes Start Time: 7.30am Finish Time: 3pm approx

40 hours a week

Start date

Tuesday 1 September 2026

Duration

1 year 6 months

Positions available

2

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

  • Morning yard duties in preparing vehicles with equipment
  • Working with the manager and team leader to ensure a safe and efficient working environment
  • Assisting with customer enquiries on jobs
  • Preparing chainsaws etc for use by climbers
  • Working as a team in processing timber/foliage
  • Willingness to take responsibilities

Where you'll work

140 SURBITON HILL PARK
SURBITON
KT5 8EW

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

  • Level 2 Arborist
  • 18 Month course
  • Day release - Merrist Wood
  • Dedicated Performanc Coach
  • Functional Skills maths and English if applicable

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

Maths and English (grade 4)

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

Skills

  • Communication skills
  • Organisation skills
  • Customer care skills
  • Team working
  • Initiative
  • Physical fitness

Other requirements

An ability to work in varied weather conditions through the year, a good degree of physical fitness and good teamwork/communication skills.

About this employer

We have been in business since 2002 covering tree work in the SW London area.

We are focussed on private works inc tree work with TPO and Conservation Area status.

The team has 2 transit tippers with towed chipper units and an extensive range of Stihl power tools

Company benefits

To be mentored by qualified ground operatives and climbers

Yard is at Court Farm Garden Centre next to Tolworth railway station

After this apprenticeship

Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).

  • We encourage progression through the company via courses and in service training
  • We take on many Merrist Wood students full time upon course completion.
  • As an example, the current works manager joined us as a trainee ground worker aged 17 and progressed to the top position

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

ACTIVATE LEARNING

Jenny Hyam

apprenticeships@activateapprenticeships.co.uk

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000037586.

Apply now

Closes on Thursday 20 August 2026