Arborist Apprentice Level 2
PREMIER TREE CARE LIMITED
Ipswich (IP9 2JN)
Closes in 23 days (Sunday 19 July 2026)
Posted on 26 June 2026
Contents
Summary
As an Apprentice Arborist, you will learn to carry out vegetation management around overhead power lines, including tree pruning, felling and clearance operations. Working alongside experienced teams, you’ll develop practical skills, gain industry qualifications and learn safe working practices.
- Wage
-
£16,640 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age
National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices
- Training course
- Arborist (level 2)
- Hours
-
Monday - Friday, 07:30 - 16:30
40 hours a week
- Start date
-
Monday 3 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
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist with the maintenance, care and removal of trees and shrubs
- Learn to identify tree species and assess their health and safety
- Perform pruning, trimming and planting of trees under supervision
- Safely operate and maintain equipment such as chainsaws, wood chippers, and climbing gear. (These tickets will be provided throughout the apprenticeship)
- Assist with tree climbing and aerial lift operations
- Learn and follow industry safety standards and procedures.
- Clean up job sites, including the removal of debris and wood
- Support the arborist team in diagnosing tree diseases, pests, and other health concerns
Peronal Qualities:
- A positive attitude and willingness to learn new skills
- Reliable, punctual, and able to work as part of a team
- Strong commitment to health, safety, and safe working practices
- Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions
- Physically fit and prepared for demanding manual work
- Able to follow instructions and learn from experienced colleagues
- Good communication skills and a professional manner
- Motivated and hardworking with a strong work ethic
- Calm and responsible when working in potentially hazardous environments
- Demonstrates care, attention to detail, and pride in the quality of work
- Flexible and adaptable to changing work locations and tasks
- Shows respect for colleagues, customers, members of the public, and the environment
- Keen interest in arboriculture, forestry, landscaping, or outdoor work
- Willing to travel and work at different sites as required
- Able to remain focused and productive when carrying out repetitive tasks
Where you'll work
White Horse Farm, Station Road
Ipswich
IP9 2JN
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
CENTRAL YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION
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
- Full Arborist level 2 Apprenticeship
- Functional Skills where required
Requirements
Desirable qualifications
GCSE in:
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Communication skills
- Customer care skills
- Team working
- Physical fitness
Other requirements
- Must be prepared to work outside in all weathers
- Must be prepared to work at heights
About this employer
Specialist Arboricultural Contractors for Utilities, Commercial Sites and Local Clients Across Suffolk, Essex and Norfolk Drawing on over 20 years of experience, Premier Tree Care has delivered safe, reliable and professionally managed vegetation and tree-care services as a trusted contractor to UK utility providers, alongside commercial and domestic projects. Our fully qualified teams operate to rigorous safety and environmental standards. Our focus is on consistent service delivery, compliance and client confidence — providing specialist arboriculture and vegetation management that supports critical infrastructure, public safety and responsible land management.
After this apprenticeship
Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).
Arborist Roles can progress into:
- Surveying Operations Management Trainer
- Assessing Consultancy
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
CENTRAL YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION
Susan Frost
Susan.Frost@ymca.co.uk
020 3994 9544
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000038721.
Apply now
Closes in 23 days (Sunday 19 July 2026)
After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.