The arboriculture industry manages trees for the benefit of nature (diseased trees may be cut down to save surrounding trees, for example) and their value to humans in diverse urban and rural locations, from city parks and urban woodlands, to country estates and private gardens. The industry manages trees adjacent to highways, railways, watercourses and power lines. An arborist may progress to undertake inspections and surveys of individual and woodland trees, advising landowners on how to care for their trees, or teaching others about the benefits of carefully managing trees.
The work of an arborist involves diverse activities such as chainsaw work, aerial tree work, pruning, dismantling and using appropriate machinery such as brushwood chippers.
Arborists can work for local authorities, private companies and many are also self- employed. Tree work can be physically demanding and involves working outdoors in all weathers.
An arborist will undertake aerial tree work but may also be ground-based. They do a range of tree work jobs with indirect supervision. They are capable of supporting the tree work team across a range of basic technical skills.
What you'll learn
The EPA can only be taken after the conditions of the Assessment Gateway have been successfully achieved.
– Level 3 award in emergency first aid at work
– 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)
– Achieved Level 1 English & Maths
– Taken Level 2 English & Maths Assessment
How you'll learn and be assessed
This apprenticeship will be delivered within the college and workplace, with ongoing support from a dedicated performance coach.
You will be required to attend college one day per week throughout the duration of the programme to complete the mandatory qualifications and to learn the required Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours. However, you may also be required for college attendance on additional days to support the delivery of functional Skills.
On conclusion that the assessment gateway requirements have been achieved, you will be able to proceed to the end-point assessment stage of the apprenticeship. It is expected that you complete the assessment gateway requirements within three months of your planned apprenticeship completion.
EPA Consists of:
– Holistic Project
– Structured Interview (including discussion based on
the portfolio)
– Online Multiple Choice Knowledge Tests
– Practical tests
Progression
On completion of this standard, you can progress into arboriculture with industry-recognised qualifications.
An arborist apprenticeship can lead to a rewarding career in a variety of aboriculture roles. You may choose to progress with your employer, change jobs or study a higher-level apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
To start on one of our apprenticeships, you will need to be over 16 years old and employed in a relevant role.
Every employer is different, and therefore, entry requirements can vary. We are committed to supporting you in developing your skills either prior to or during your apprenticeship journey.
Minimum requirements prior to starting for 16 – 18 year olds: Grade 2 GCSE in maths and English or Functional Skills Level 1/ equivalent in both. 19+: If evidence of achieving a Grade 4 or above in maths or English is not available, the employer will decide if Functional Skills will be a requirement at the interview stage.
Additional information
Typical completion time is likely to be 24 months. This may reduce if you have already gained previous relevant knowledge and skills.
As a land-based apprentice with Activate Apprenticeships, you will have access to the following facilities at Activate Learning colleges:
Libraries and learning environments
Ability to borrow books and laptops
Digital resources and programmes
A student card – allowing you to take advantage of student discounts
Can apply for an Apprentice extra Totum Card
Advice and support services for apprentices includes:
Advice and Admissions
Learning Support
Student Support
Impartial careers advisors
One-to-one support
A college nurse
Free counselling service
