Arborist Apprentice - Level 2
TOM BOSWELL TREE SERVICES LTD
London (W3 0JH)
Closes in 17 days (Monday 2 November 2026)
Posted on 16 October 2026
Contents
Summary
Kickstart your career as an Arborist with Tom Boswell Trees! Join a friendly, supportive team, gain hands-on experience and recognised qualifications, with excellent career progression into experienced roles earning from £35,000 per year. Enjoy ongoing development and a travel subsidy of up to £25 per month.
- Wage
-
£18,720 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age
National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices
- Training course
- Arborist (level 2)
- Hours
-
Monday to Friday, 07:15 - 16:00.
45 hours a week
- Start date
-
Monday 23 November 2026
- Duration
-
2 years
- 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
Looking for an outdoor career with real opportunities to progress?
At Tom Boswell Trees, we're passionate about caring for trees and green spaces for future generations. We're a forward-thinking company that values its people, encourages development and takes pride in delivering high-quality work.
We're looking for an enthusiastic Apprentice Arborist to join our friendly, experienced team and develop the skills needed for a rewarding career in tree surgery.
Why join Tom Boswell Trees?
- Excellent career progression – develop your skills and work towards qualified arborist roles, with salaries starting from £35,000 per year
- Earn while you learn – gain valuable practical experience alongside your Level 2 Arborist Apprenticeship
- Supportive team environment – work alongside experienced professionals who will help you learn, grow and build your confidence
- Travel support – receive a travel subsidy of up to £25 per month
- Varied outdoor work – no two days are the same!
- Long-term career opportunities – develop specialist skills and explore progression within the company
What will you be doing?
As an Apprentice Arborist, you'll work alongside experienced tree surgeons, learning the practical skills and knowledge needed to carry out professional tree care safely and effectively
Your responsibilities will include:
- Supporting qualified arborists and climbers during tree surgery operations
- Assisting with tree maintenance, stump grinding and other arboricultural activities
- Learning how to use, maintain and care for specialist tools and equipment
- Carrying out routine vehicle and equipment safety checks
- Following health and safety procedures to maintain a safe working environment
- Working as part of a team to deliver high-quality work and excellent customer service
- Attending apprenticeship training and completing the required learning and assessments
- Developing your skills, confidence and industry knowledge with support from experienced colleagues
Who are we looking for?
You don't need previous experience – we're looking for someone with the right attitude and enthusiasm to learn
Ideally, you'll be:
- Enthusiastic about working outdoors and interested in trees and the environment
- Reliable, hardworking and willing to learn new skills
- A positive team player who enjoys working with others
- Comfortable with physical, hands-on work
- Willing to take feedback and develop your skills
- Motivated to build a long-term career in arboriculture
Your future starts here!
This isn't just about gaining a qualification. It's an opportunity to join an established company, learn from experienced professionals and develop a career with genuine earning potential.
If you're ready to work hard, learn new skills and become part of a great team, we'd love to hear from you!
Where you'll work
The Yard, Alwyn Gardens
London
W3 0JH
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
- You will work towards the Level 2 Arborist Apprenticeship, combining practical, hands-on experience with structured training and support
- You will develop industry-specific knowledge and practical skills while working alongside experienced arborists
- Functional Skills in Maths and English will be provided where required, in line with apprenticeship eligibility requirements
- You'll also have opportunities to develop your skills and explore further qualifications and career progression within the company
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
- Problem solving skills
- Team working
- Communication skills
- Physical fitness
Other requirements
Applicants must be able to travel to West London for a 7:15am start (Hours may vary winter/summer months). Outdoor, physical work in all weather conditions and at heights.
Must be 18+ for insurance purposes. Driving licence desirable but not essential. Travel subsidy of up to £25 per month available.
About this employer
Started in 2008, Tom Boswell Tree Services brings years of hands-on arboricultural experience to every job. We work across residential gardens, estates, schools, housing organisations and commercial sites, with up to four teams operating daily to keep projects moving efficiently. Whether you need one-off tree work or ongoing maintenance, we provide practical advice, quality workmanship and a professional service from start to finish.
After this apprenticeship
Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).
Your Level 2 Arborist Apprenticeship is just the beginning! With ongoing training and experience, you could progress into roles such as: -
- Second Climber – £35,000–£38,600
- Team Leader / Lead Climber – £40,000–£46,000
- Operations Manager
- Further progression opportunities
At Tom Boswell Trees, we're committed to developing our people and supporting long-term, rewarding careers.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
CENTRAL YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION
Clara Phillips-Williams
Clara.Phillips-Williams@ymca.co.uk
020 3994 9544
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000058850.
Apply now
Closes in 17 days (Monday 2 November 2026)
After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.