Apprentice Arborist

HEIGHTS TREE CARE LIMITED

Reading (RG4 9QD)

Closes in 18 days (Monday 9 February 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 22 January 2026

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Summary

We are seeking a motivated, polite team player to deliver high standards of work across varied projects, from country estates to private gardens. Strong customer skills and a passion for trees and the environment are essential. It is a hands-on, outdoor role for someone who enjoys physical work, teamwork, and all-weather conditions.

Wage

Competitive

Competitive wage offered

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course
Arborist (level 2)
Hours
Monday - Friday (8.5 hours per day)

42 hours 30 minutes a week

Start date

Monday 16 February 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

  • Assist with tree pruning, reductions, removals, and general tree maintenance
  • Learn how to safely use and maintain tools and equipment such as chainsaws, chippers, and climbing gear
  • Support climbing and ground operations, including rigging and lowering techniques
  • Carry out site preparation and clean-up, ensuring work areas are left safe and tidy
  • Identify different tree species and learn basic tree health and safety principles
  • Follow health and safety procedures and help conduct risk assessments
  • Travel to a variety of sites including parks, roadsides, private gardens, and commercial properties
  • Build practical skills while working towards recognised arboriculture qualifications

Where you'll work

Church Lane
Dunsden
Reading
RG4 9QD

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

Attend BCA, once a fornight for Level 2 Arboriculture

Spend the rest of the time at place of employment

Complete Functional Skills, if necessary/required

Requirements

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
  • Initiative
  • Physical fitness

Other requirements

MUST have reliable transport to the site (full driving license is preffered) - the site is not on a public transport route.

About this employer

Professional arboricultural company offering all aspects of tree surgery and hedge maintenance based in Oxfordshire. Taking pride in caring for trees, we provide a comprehensive management and maintenance service, including tree and hedge planting, from young trees to mature specimens.

After this apprenticeship

Permanent employment and progression to a higher level qualification.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

THE WINDSOR FOREST COLLEGES GROUP

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000010122.

Apply now

Closes in 18 days (Monday 9 February 2026 at 11:59pm)