Apprentice Arborist

ATW TREE AND LANDSCAPE SPECIALISTS LIMITED

SUNDERLAND (SR2 9UA)

Closes in 13 days (Thursday 27 August 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 13 August 2026

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Summary

ATW, based in Sunderland, are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join their 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, 8.00am - 5.00pm (30 minute lunch break with 2 x 15 minute breaks).

40 hours a week

Start date

Friday 25 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

36A ELLESMERE COURT
LEECHMERE INDUSTRIAL ESTATE
SUNDERLAND
SR2 9UA

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

Training will take place 4 x days per week at the workplace/site with 1 x day release to Houghall.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English (grade 4 or above)
  • Maths (grade 4 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
  • Customer care skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Analytical skills
  • Logical
  • Team working
  • Initiative
  • Physical fitness

About this employer

We are  your trusted tree and landscaping specialists proudly serving Sunderland and the North East, offering expert tree care, stunning landscaping, paving, and comprehensive grounds maintenance. Let us transform your outdoor space into a beautiful and functional environment!

https://www.atwtreesandlandscaping.co.uk/ (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).

Potential full-time employment after sucessful completion of 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 VAC2000035536.

Apply now

Closes in 13 days (Thursday 27 August 2026 at 11:59pm)