Arborist Apprentice

HEARTWOOD TREE SURGEONS LTD

KENILWORTH (CV8 1NP)

Closes on Friday 1 May 2026

Posted on 13 February 2026

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Summary

We are looking for a hard-working, enthusiastic, and resilient apprentice for our Arb team. As one of the UK’s leading specialised tree and forestry services contractors, this is a great opportunity if you enjoy working outdoors, are physically fit, and don’t mind getting dirty and wet. More info on our work can be found at: heartwoodtrees.co.uk

Wage

£17,667 to £28,571.40, depending on your age

National Minimum Wage

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Overtime and weekend work available Annual discretionary bonus scheme

Training course
Arborist (level 2)
Hours
Monday- Friday 07:30– 16:30 Reduced to 40 hours for candidates Aged 16-18

45 hours a week

Start date

Tuesday 1 September 2026

Duration

1 year 5 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

The apprenticeship programme is a brilliant opportunity to launch your career in arboriculture. You’ll need to be ready to: work to exacting health and safety standards; produce quality work; be a team player; have good time management and attention to detail; work hard.

Your typical working day would consist of:

  • Prepare kit and equipment for the day’s work
  • Process tree and vegetation arisings (e.g., using a chipper)
  • Maintain power tools (e.g., chainsaws, hedge cutters, chippers)
  • Learn to identify tree species, including identifying pests, diseases and tree defects
  • Conduct ground-based work, including pruning and felling of small trees
  • When ready, climb and carry out tree work at height

Where you'll work

UNIT F12A
HOLLY FARM BUSINE
HONILEY
KENILWORTH
CV8 1NP

Training

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

Training provider

WARWICKSHIRE 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

  • Pershore College
  • Seven block weeks in the first year
  • Three block weeks in the second year

More training information

Level 2 Arborist apprenticeship.

  • Level 2 award in felling and processing trees up to 380mm
  • Level 2 award in accessing a tree using a rope and harness
  • Level 3 award in aerial tree rescue operations
  • Level 3 award in aerial cutting of trees using free fall techniques
  • Level 2 award in emergency first aid at work
  • Level 2 award in safe use of brushwood chipper
  • Traffic Management (NRSWA Unit 002 Signing, Lighting and Guarding) OR Sector Scheme 12D
  • Level 2 award in chainsaw maintenance
  • Level 2 award in cross cutting timber using a chainsaw

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

English, Maths (grade C/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
  • Problem solving skills
  • Team working
  • Initiative
  • Patience
  • Physical fitness

About this employer

Industry-leading specialist tree & forestry contractor: Delivering innovative tree, forestry, and vegetation management solutions across the UK. From the depths of our forests to the hearts of our cities, we manage, maintain, and restore our woodland environments.

http://heartwoodtrees.co.uk/ (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

  • Full time role as a Groundsman/ Second Climber at Heartwood

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

WARWICKSHIRE COLLEGE

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000015380.

Apply now

Closes on Friday 1 May 2026