Apprentice Arborist

Branchwalkers Northeast

Durham (DH6 2UZ)

Closes in 15 days (Friday 10 July 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 25 June 2026

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Summary

Branchwalkers Northeast, based in South Hetton, are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join there team as a Level 2 Arboriculture Apprentice. This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in tree care and management, with experienced arborists, while working towards a nationally recognised qualification.

Wage

£16,640 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course
Arborist (level 2)
Hours
Monday to Friday, 06.45 - 15.15 (30 mins break). Overtime and weekend work available as an optional.

40 hours a week

Start date

Monday 21 September 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

  • Assist with a range of arboricultural operations, including:
    Tree planting, pruning, and felling
  • Hedge cutting and vegetation management
  • Use of tools and machinery (e.g. chainsaws, wood chippers – once trained)
  • Support site preparation and clearance work
  • Maintain equipment and ensure tools are used safely
  • Follow all health and safety procedures and risk assessments
  • Work as part of a team in outdoor environments and varying weather conditions
  • Attend college or training provider sessions as required

Where you'll work

Unit 2B
Front Street Industrial Estate, Front Street, South Hetton
Durham
DH6 2UZ

Training

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

Training provider

EAST DURHAM 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 4 x days per week at the workplace, with 1 x day release to Houghall Campus, once a week.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English (grade 3 or above)
  • Maths (grade 3 or above)

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
  • Analytical skills
  • Logical
  • Team working
  • Initiative
  • Physical fitness

About this employer

Branchwalkers NE Landscapes Ltd is an Accredited approved Company priding itself on providing and delivering Arboriculture – Landscaping & Commercial Grounds Maintenance services across the Northeast – Northwest and North Yorkshire regions. Our qualified Arborists – Landscapers and Gardeners are skilled in all aspects of the job to ensure we deliver your projects on time. We also have our consultancy services for your Tree and vegetation site clearance needs. The teams work confidently in domestic and commercial surroundings, completing every job cleanly and efficiently.

https://branchwalkersnortheast-landscapes.co.uk/ (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

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

Potential full-time employment with the business after sucessful completion of the apprenticeship.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

EAST DURHAM COLLEGE

Adam Heslop

Adam.heslop@eastdurham.ac.uk

07507500429

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000039271.

Apply now

Closes in 15 days (Friday 10 July 2026 at 11:59pm)