Apprentice Arborist

CHRIS GILL TREE SURGERY LTD

STOCKSFIELD (NE43 7UL)

Closes in 21 days (Thursday 11 June 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 21 May 2026

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Summary

Chris Gill Tree Surgery are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our team as a Level 2 Arboriculture Apprentice. This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in tree care and management while working towards a nationally recognised qualification.

 

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 - Friday - 07.30-16.30 (30 mins lunch + two 15 mins break). Day release to Houghall Campus on Monday.

40 hours a week

Start date

Monday 21 September 2026

Duration

1 year 6 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

  • Assist with a range of arboricultural operations, including: Tree planting, pruning, and felling
  • Hedge cutting and vegetation management
  • Use of tools and machinery (e.g. chainsaws, wood chippers – once trained)
  • Support site preparation and clearance work
  • Maintain equipment and ensure tools are used safely
  • Follow all health and safety procedures and risk assessments
  • Work as part of a team in outdoor environments and varying weather conditions
  • Attend college or training provider sessions as required

Where you'll work

TOWN FARM COTTAGE
NEWTON
STOCKSFIELD
NE43 7UL

Training

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

Training provider

EAST DURHAM 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

  • Work towards a Level 2 Arborist Apprenticeship Standard
  • Receive on-the-job training from experienced professionals
  • Develop knowledge in:
  • Tree biology and identification
  • Pests and diseases
  • Safe working practices
  • Environmental awareness

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English (grade 3 or above)
  • Maths (grade 3 or above)

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
  • Logical
  • Team working
  • Initiative
  • Patience
  • Physical fitness

Other requirements

Full UK Drivers Licence.

Comfortable working at height.

About this employer

Chris Gill Tree Surgery provides tree maintenance services such as pruning, planting & aftercare, felling, advice & guidance. We are dedicated specialists in the preservation and maintenance of trees. We believe in offering the most cost-effective solutions for the long-term management of your trees.We operate tree surgery throughout the North East of England. We have a qualified and experienced management team, together with highly skilled operational Arborists who can deliver a superb service offering excellent value for money.

http://www.chrisgilltreesurgery.co.uk/index.html (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

Potential full-time employment with employer on successful completion of the apprenticeship.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

EAST DURHAM COLLEGE

Adam Heslop

adam.heslop@eastdurham.ac.uk

01915185589

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000033017.

Apply now

Closes in 21 days (Thursday 11 June 2026 at 11:59pm)