Careers / Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships offer a practical route into tree care careers. Apprentices earn a salary while gaining nationally recognised, regulated qualifications, combining on-the-job training with structured learning through an approved training provider.

In England, arboriculture apprenticeships are available from level 2 (entry level/GCSE equivalent) through to level 6 (degree apprenticeship). Apprenticeships can lead to roles as arborists, tree surveyors, tree officers and consultants.

Apprenticeships are suitable for school leavers, career changers, and those already working in the sector who want to formalise or progress their skills.

How apprenticeships work

Apprenticeships in England:

Take 18-36 months to complete, depending on type and level
Combine paid employment with formal training
Are available to those aged 16 or over
Are funded by the government and employers, with no tuition fee costs

Arboriculture apprenticeships

Arboriculture apprenticeships in England are offered at three levels, enabling individuals to enter the industry or progress within it according to their skills, experience, and stage of career:

Title	Level	Example Roles
Arborist	2	Arborist, climbing arborist
Arboriculturist	4	Tree officer, tree surveyor,
Professional Arboriculturist	6	Arboricultural manager, arboricultural consultant

The Arboricultural Association, its members, as well as training providers and employers of all sizes, contributed to the development of this suite of apprenticeships.

Becoming an apprentice

There are several ways to become an apprentice:

Search and apply for advertised vacancies

Many employers advertise apprenticeship roles directly. You apply as you would for a job. Vacancies can be found on the government apprenticeship service:

Search apprenticeships

Search for ‘arborist’, ‘arboriculturist’, or ‘professional arboriculturist’ to find current opportunities.

Contact a training provider

Apprenticeship training providers can advise on the most suitable apprenticeship level and may help match applicants with employers offering opportunities.

Ask your employer

If you already work in arboriculture or a related industry, your employer may be able to enrol you on an apprenticeship to support your development or progression into a higher-level role.

Training providers

Contact the training providers to enquire about course delivery. Some providers will help you to match with an employer, if you do not already have one.

Provider*	Location	Level(s)
Activate Learning (Merrist Wood)	Surrey	Level 2
Askham Bryan College	North Yorkshire	Levels 2 and 4
Cornwall College (Bicton)	Devon	Level 2
Capel Manor College	London	Level 2
Derby College	Derbyshire	Level 2
East Durham College	County Durham	Level 2
Herefordshire, Ludlow & North Shropshire College (Holme Lacey)	Herefordshire	Level 2
Myerscough College	Lancashire	Levels 2, 4 and 6
Plumpton College	East Sussex	Levels 2 and 4
Riseholme College	Lincolnshire	Level 2
Sparsholt College	Hampshire	Level 2
Warwickshire College Group (Pershore)	Worcestershire	Level 2
Windsor Forest Colleges Group	Berkshire	Level 2
Writtle College	Essex	Level 2
YMCA (Central)	National	Level 2

* See websites for current information. Providers can contact us to submit amendments.

For more information

Apprenticeships.gov.uk

Official government guidance on how apprenticeships work, funding, and eligibility

Skills England

Occupational standards and apprenticeship frameworks

For related apprenticeships elsewhere in the UK:

Wales

Trees and Timber

Scotland

Trees and Timber