Arborist Apprentice
WALTON'S TREE SERVICES LTD
Colchester (CO3 9TZ)
Closes in 25 days (Tuesday 4 August 2026 at 11:59pm)
Posted on 10 July 2026
Contents
Summary
Join our growing arboricultural team and start a rewarding career in tree care with a well- supported apprenticeship programme. Following the success of previous apprentices who have progressed into skilled arborist roles within our business, we are looking for a motivated individual eager to learn and develop practical skills.
- 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)
Regular pay reviews and bonus schemes avilable.
- Training course
- Arborist (level 2)
- Hours
-
07.30-16.00 Monday to Friday
Attending Writtle College one day a week.
Paid college days.
40 hours a week
- Start date
-
Friday 9 October 2026
- Duration
-
2 years
- 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
As an Arborist Apprentice, you will work alongside experienced tree surgeons and arborists, learning the practical skills and knowledge required to safely manage and maintain trees. Your time will be split between on-site practical work and structured training towards your qualification.
- Assisting with tree pruning, dismantling, planting and maintenance operations.
- Learning how to safely use and maintain arboricultural tools, machinery and equipment.
- Supporting site preparation, traffic management and work zone safety procedures.
- Carrying out ground-based tree work, including processing branches and clearing vegetation
- Learning to identify tree species, pests, diseases and defects.
- Maintaining a clean, safe and organised work environment.
- Working as part of a professional team to deliver high-quality arboricultural services to clients.
- Attending college or training sessions and completing coursework required for your apprenticeship.
No two days are the same, and you will experience working in a variety of locations, from residential gardens and parks to highways and commercial sites, developing the skills needed for a successful career in arboriculture.
Where you'll work
Great Porters Farm
Porters Lane, Fordham Heath
Colchester
CO3 9TZ
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
WRITTLE COLLEGE LIMITED
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
Working from 07.30am-4.00pm (30 min lunch break) Monday-Friday.
Great Potters Farm,
Fordham Heath,
Colchester CO3 9TZ.
Attending Writtle College from October 2026- one day a week for training CM1 3RR.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
- English (grade 2 or E)
- Maths (grade 2 or E)
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Patience
- Physical fitness
- Positive Attitude
- Reliable and Punctual
- Health and safety awareness
- Practical mindset
- Enjoyment of hands-on work
- Working outdoors
- Strong work ethic
Other requirements
Being comfortable working at height.
The role involves working outdoors in varying weather conditions, including rain, cold and hot temperatures.
Early starts may be required to travel to work sites and meet operational schedules.
Strict health and safety procedures must be followed at all times.
Travel to different locations will be required, as work is carried out across a variety of sites.
Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) will be provided and must be worn.
Occasional overtime or additional hours may be available depending on operational requirements.
About this employer
We are a professional arboricultural company providing a wide range of tree care and vegetation management services to commercial, local authority and residential clients.
With a strong commitment to safety, quality, and environmental responsibility, we invest in the development of our workforce and are proud of the success of previous apprentices who have progressed into skilled arborist roles within the business. We offer a supportive working environment where employees can develop rewarding long-term careers in arboriculture.
After this apprenticeship
Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).
Successful completion of the apprenticeship could lead to a permanent position within the company as a qualified Arborist. We are committed to developing talent from within, and previous apprentices have progressed into skilled operational roles with increased responsibilty.
There will be opportunities to gain further industry-recognised qualifications and specialist certifications, including climbing, aerial rescue and machinery operation. For motivated individuals, this apprenticeship can provide a clear pathway towards senior arborist, team leader or supervisory positions within the business.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
WALTON'S TREE SERVICES LTD
Alex Walton
hello@waltonstreeservices.co.uk
07525482690
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000041067.
Apply now
Closes in 25 days (Tuesday 4 August 2026 at 11:59pm)