Arborist Apprentice

GRISTWOOD AND TOMS LIMITED

Radlett (WD7 9EG)

Closes in 29 days (Monday 21 September 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 19 August 2026

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Summary

As an Apprentice Arborist, you will learn how to manage and maintain trees in urban environments, working as part of a professional arboriculture team. This role is ideal for someone that is passionate about nature, physical outdoor work, and developing a career in tree management.

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 7am to 4pm

40 hours a week

Start date

Monday 28 September 2026

Duration

1 year 6 months

Positions available

4

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

  • Learn to safely operate and maintain arborist tools and equipment (e.g. chainsaws, chippers)
  • Assist with tree pruning, felling, and removal under supervision
  • Participate in tree planting and aftercare
  • Support senior arborists and team members as needed
  • Work at height using ropes, harnesses, and climbing techniques
  • Follow health & safety procedures and industry best practices
  • Attend training sessions and complete coursework, as required by the apprenticeship

Where you'll work

40 Harris Lane
Shenley
Radlett
WD7 9EG

Training

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

Training provider

THE WINDSOR FOREST COLLEGES GROUP

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

Once per fortnight at BCA College

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

English and Maths (grade 4/C or higher)

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

Skills

  • Communication skills
  • Team working
  • Physical fitness
  • Willingness to work outdoors
  • Reliable
  • Punctual
  • Eager to learn
  • Basic numeracy and literacy

About this employer

Gristwood & Toms is one of the UK's leading arboricultural (tree care) specialists, providing nationwide tree management, consultancy, surveying, planting, and maintenance services for local authorities, commercial organisations, schools, the NHS, and private clients. Founded in 1974, it is now part of the Nurture Group while continuing to operate under its own brand. We offer a complete "one-stop-shop" for everything tree-related—from tree surgery and inspections to planning advice, pest management, and subsidence investigations. With over 50 years of experience, we are one of the largest dedicated arboricultural contractors in the UK, delivering services nationwide.

After this apprenticeship

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

  • Possible permanent employment

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

THE WINDSOR FOREST COLLEGES GROUP

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000044463.

Apply now

Closes in 29 days (Monday 21 September 2026 at 11:59pm)