Arboricultural Apprentice - Waltham Forest

About the job

Arboricultural Apprenticeships in London

Passionate about the outdoors, nature, working with trees? We're looking for a motivated individual to join our team. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience, learn from professionals, grow your career in the industry. If you are eager to learn, physically fit, enjoy working outdoors in all weathers, we'd love to hear from you.

The Apprenticeship

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do 

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in tree pruning, removal, and maintenance operations.
• Learn to safely operate chainsaws, chippers, ropes, and other tree care equipment.
• Support climbers from the ground and gradually progress to climbing roles.
• Clean up job sites by raking, hauling brush, and removing debris
• Learn to identify tree species, pests, and common diseases.
• Follow all safety protocols and wear required personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Participate in on-the-job training and formal arboriculture education.
• Maintain tools and equipment in safe working condition.
• Communicate effectively with team members and supervisors

Remuneration 

Competitive wage offered

The apprentice will be paid in line with the London Living Wage.

Preferred Skills

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

• English (grade 4)
• Maths (grade 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
• Team working
• Physical fitness
• Self Motivated
• Safety Conscious
• Eager to learn
• Punctual and good time keeper
• Adaptable and reliable

Benefits Offered

Training

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

Training provider

CAPEL MANOR 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

As an Arborist Apprentice, you will work under the guidance of experienced arborists to learn the skills and techniques required for tree care, maintenance, and removal. This is a hands-on training opportunity designed to build your knowledge of tree biology, safety procedures, climbing techniques, and the use of arboricultural equipment.  You will be based at our Works Yard in London E10 and will travel to various sites around North East London during the course of your working day, with other members of your team.

Training will take place at Capel Manor College Enfield Campus one day per week. This is a Level 2 Arborist qualification, including Functional Skills in English and maths if required.

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About the Company

M Parkin Tree Specialists Ltd

M Parkin Tree Specialists Ltd is a small, locally-rooted business with longstanding ties to the London Boroughs of Hackney, Islington and Haringey. We pride ourselves on our work with London Boroughs, Housing Associations, Schools, Health Authorities, Property Management companies, construction companies, charitable associations, garden designers, architects and a diverse private client portfolio, making improvements to the local areas tree stock, which has a positive impact on residential areas, highways, parks and open spaces.