Arboriculture Apprentice

ARB-SPEC Tree Surgery & Fencing

SEAHAM (SR7 7UX)

Closes in 16 days (Friday 17 July 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 30 June 2026

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Summary

ARB-SPEC are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our team as an Arboricultural / landscaping staff member, full-time or apprentice. This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in tree care and environmental management.

Wage

£17,680 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

  • Competitive apprenticeship wage
  • Over time pay

Training course
Arborist (level 2)
Hours
Monday - Friday 42.5 hours per week + some overtime if required. Times to be confirmed.

42 hours 30 minutes 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

  • Tree works
  • Agri / domestic / commercial fencing
  • Skid steer works
  • Excavator works
  • Grass maintenance
  • Environmental Landscaping
  • Firewood processing and delivering
  • 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

62 HEATHWAY
SEAHAM
SR7 7UX

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 with the employer, with 1 x day release per week at Houghall Campus (Monday).

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
  • Customer care skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Logical
  • Team working
  • Initiative
  • Physical fitness
  • Interest in arboriculture
  • Full UK Driving Licence

Other requirements

  • Being comfortable working at height
  • Comfortable working outdoors in all weathers
  • Full UK Driver's Licence

About this employer

Arb-Spec is your trusted business providing prompt and reliable tree services in Seaham , Sunderland and through out Co.Durham. Our company was established in 2010, and since then we have been earning the trust of our customers. We specialise in tree surgery, vegetation management, forestry, fencing, grass management, tractor services and wood fuel supplies.

https://www.arb-spectreesurgery.co.uk/ (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

  • 28 days paid holiday which includes bank holidays
  • Full training and support
  • PPE and equipment provided
  • Opportunity for progression within the company

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 and progression within the company after successful completion of the apprenticeship.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

EAST DURHAM COLLEGE

Adam Heslop

adam.heslop@eastdurham.ac.uk

01915185589

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000040001.

Apply now

Closes in 16 days (Friday 17 July 2026 at 11:59pm)