Arboriculture Operative Apprenticeship Level 2
M Parkin Tree Specialists Ltd
London (E10 7QE)
Closes in 30 days (Friday 12 December 2025 at 11:59pm)
Posted on 11 November 2025
Contents
Summary
Passionate about the outdoors, nature, working with trees? We're looking for a motivated individual to join our team. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience, learn from professionals, grow your career in the industry. If you are eager to learn, physically fit, enjoy working outdoors in all weathers, we'd love to hear from you.
- Wage
-
Competitive
Competitive wage offered
Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
The apprentice will be paid in line with the London Living Wage.
- Training course
- Arborist (level 2)
- Hours
-
We work Monday – Friday, 7.30am to 3.30pm. The amount of days you work will depend on the course requirements.
35 hours a week
- Start date
-
Monday 12 January 2026
- Duration
-
1 year 6 months
- Positions available
-
2
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 in tree pruning, removal, and maintenance operations.
- Learn to safely operate chainsaws, chippers, ropes, and other tree care equipment.
- Support climbers from the ground and gradually progress to climbing roles.
- Clean up job sites by raking, hauling brush, and removing debris
- Learn to identify tree species, pests, and common diseases.
- Follow all safety protocols and wear required personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Participate in on-the-job training and formal arboriculture education.
- Maintain tools and equipment in safe working condition.
- Communicate effectively with team members and supervisors
Where you'll work
Unit 10
6 Argall Avenue
London
E10 7QE
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
CAPEL MANOR 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
As an Arborist Apprentice, you will work under the guidance of experienced arborists to learn the skills and techniques required for tree care, maintenance, and removal. This is a hands-on training opportunity designed to build your knowledge of tree biology, safety procedures, climbing techniques, and the use of arboricultural equipment. You will be based at our Works Yard in London E10 and will travel to various sites around North East London during the course of your working day, with other members of your team.
Training will take place at Capel Manor College Enfield Campus one day per week. This is a Level 2 Arborist qualification, including Functional Skills in English and maths if required.
Requirements
Desirable qualifications
GCSE in:
- English (grade 4)
- Maths (grade 4)
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
- Team working
- Physical fitness
- Self Motivated
- Safety Conscious
- Eager to learn
- Punctual and good time keeper
- Adaptable and reliable
About this employer
M Parkin Tree Specialists Ltd is a small, locally-rooted business with longstanding ties to the London Boroughs of Hackney, Islington and Haringey. We pride ourselves on our work with London Boroughs, Housing Associations, Schools, Health Authorities, Property Management companies, construction companies, charitable associations, garden designers, architects and a diverse private client portfolio, making improvements to the local areas tree stock, which has a positive impact on residential areas, highways, parks and open spaces.
After this apprenticeship
As an Arborist Apprentice, you will work under the guidance of experienced arborists to learn the skills and techniques required for tree care, maintenance, and removal. This is a hands-on training opportunity designed to build your knowledge of tree biology, safety procedures, climbing techniques, and the use of arboricultural equipment. Once qualified you will have the opportunity to apply for work as a climbing arborist, then with experience can progress to becoming a team leader.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
CAPEL MANOR COLLEGE
Mick Parkin
mickparkin@tree-specialists.com
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000000111.
Apply now
Closes in 30 days (Friday 12 December 2025 at 11:59pm)
Sign in with your GOV.UK One Login to apply.