Arboriculturist
Level 4 · HigherAgriculture, environmental and animal care 2.5 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
An arboriculturist manages individual trees, groups of trees, and woodlands to ensure their health, safety, and long-term sustainability, working for local authorities, consultancies, utility companies, or large estates. Apprentices develop advanced skills in tree inspection, risk assessment, technical climbing, and the management of tree works in complex environments. This role can lead to tree officer, arboricultural consultant, or urban forestry management positions.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Advanced tree identification, biology, and physiology
Tree risk assessment methods and documenting tree safety surveys
Aerial tree surgery techniques using ropes and harness systems
Planning and supervising tree works and managing contractors
Tree legislation including the Tree Preservation Order system
Arboricultural impact assessment for development planning
Chainsaw maintenance and safe use in a range of situations
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Carry out tree surveys and produce risk assessment reports
Undertake aerial tree surgery operations using climbing techniques
Plan, supervise, and oversee tree work contracts and operations
Advise on tree works applications and liaise with planning authorities
Prepare arboricultural impact assessments for development sites
Manage tree records, inspection schedules, and maintenance programmes
Operate and maintain chainsaws and specialist arboricultural equipment
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 4 (Higher) - roughly Foundation-degree level. Usually needs Level 3 (A-levels, a T-Level, or an Advanced apprenticeship) or relevant experience.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 5/6 apprenticeship or a more senior role.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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