Level 2 Arboriculture
About the Apprenticeship
The industry has been undergoing big changes over the last few years and professionalism is important, both from a safety point of view and developing good customer relations. Your arborist apprenticeship reflects this industry requirement and you’ll learn the underpinning knowledge and skills needed to work in the tree care industry; from discovering how trees grow and what can affect their health, to using specialist climbing equipment to access the tree canopy as well as important legislation surrounding tree care operations.
The arborist apprenticeship covers a diverse range of subject areas that will allow you to further your career in the knowledge that you will have a firm foundation of skills and learning.
Entry Requirements
English & maths – Apprentices without Level 2 English and maths must achieve Level 1 and take the test for Level 2 before taking the end-point assessment.
To undertake an apprenticeship, you must have an employer. If you do have a job and your employer is keen for you to do an apprenticeship, then please email or call on the details below and we will get in contact with you and your employer to arrange a meeting.
If you have not already got a job, then take a look at our apprenticeship vacancies or contact us.
More information
You may decide to continue onto a higher level qualification in arboriculture or forestry, or continue to build your career in one of the many areas within the tree care industry.
UCAS now accepts Apprenticeships as a recognised route into university, so if you decide you want to pursue academic qualifications in the future, you still have the option available to you.
- the principles of tree and shrub growth
- knowledge of tree planting, support, protection and aftercare
- tree science
- tree identification
- the understanding of legislation (wildlife and protected trees) affecting tree work and more
- practical tests will include but are not limited to chainsaw maintenance and knot tying
- Health and Safety in the workplace
Tuition Fees
There are no tuition fees to you as the apprentice. The fees will be paid by your employer. 16-18 years olds will be free unless your employer has 50+ employees when they need to pay 10% of the costs. Aged 19+ then there is a 10% course fee or the levy charge associated with the particular apprenticeship.
• Development of skilled work to specialised area.
• Builds confidence.
• Add invaluable experience to your skills set.
• Improves social skills as well as team work.
• Earning on average £100,000 more in a lifetime compared to studying full-time.
The following Certificates of Competence are included:
• Level 2 award in emergency first aid at work (specialised for the tree care industry).
• 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 crosscutting timber using a chainsaw.
• 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 safe use of mobile elevated work platform.
• Level 3 award in use of a chainsaw from a Mobile Elevated Work Platform (MEWP).
• Apprentices without Level 1 English and maths will need to achieve this level and take the test for Level 2 English and maths prior to taking the end-point assessment.
All apprentices need to complete 20% off the job hours (OTJ). If you are contracted to work 37 hours per week, you will need to complete 7.5hours. Part of your college block weeks will count, where you will be given all the theory knowledge as well as functional skills. You will complete journal/time-logs in the workplace to make up the rest of the OTJ.
You will have your e-portfolio assigned to you and an apprenticeship trainer. They will mentor, teach and come to visit you in the workplace every six weeks to complete a progress review and workplace assessments.
Final end point assessment shall be composed of four elements:
- A holistic project – giving the apprentice the opportunity to undertake a business related project over a one-week period away from the normal workplace
- A structured interview with an assessor exploring what has been produced during the apprenticeship and the project plus testing additional knowledge not covered elsewhere. This will be based on the apprentice diary and knowledge assessments (portfolio) completed during the apprenticeship
- Multiple choice online knowledge tests
- Practical tests