Arborist Apprenticeship – Level 2

The Arborist Apprenticeship Level 2 is designed to train apprentices in professional tree care, combining technical, safety, and practical competencies. It equips learners to work under supervision on tree operations, including pruning, felling, aerial work, and the maintenance of woody vegetation in various settings. 

Skills & Knowledge You Will Gain

• Proficiency in chainsaw operations (maintenance, cross-cutting, felling small trees) and use of brushwood chippers.
• Aerial tree work skills: accessing trees via rope and harness, performing safe operations at height, and conducting aerial rescue operations.
• Ability to assess tree condition, identify pests, diseases, and disorders, and understand tree physiology, growth and aftercare.
• Competence in health & safety, environmental and wildlife legislation, site risk assessments, codes of practice, and working near power lines.
• Operational skills in preparing sites, processing tree work arisings, and coordinating tools, machinery, signage, and traffic management when needed.
• Development of portable portfolio evidence, off-the-job learning, and professional behaviours, including teamwork, communication, responsibility, and continuous professional growth.

Time / Workload

• Typical Duration: 24 months (though earlier versions sometimes cited 18 months, but 24 is the standard now)
• Off-the-Job Training Requirement: Minimum 20% of the apprentice’s contracted hours must be dedicated to off-the-job training (structured learning, modules, college attendance, workshops).
• College/provider attendance: Often on a day-release basis (e.g., one day per week) or block-release to accommodate coursework, embedded certificates, and theory.
• EPA period/gateway: Usually, the last few months are reserved for gateway checks and EPA execution.
• Entry requirements & prerequisites: Apprentices without a Level 2 qualification in English or Maths must achieve a Level 1 qualification in English or Maths before progressing to a Level 2 qualification.

What It Can Lead To

• After completing their training, apprentices can work as Arborists, Climbing Arborists, Tree Technicians, or Tree Surgeons, handling tasks such as tree maintenance, pruning, aerial work, and site management.
• Employment opportunities in local authorities, private arboriculture companies, utility companies (tree clearance along powerlines), estates, consultancies, and self-employment.
• Progression to Level 3 Arborist / Arboriculturist apprenticeship, or further study in forestry, arboriculture consultancy, ecological survey, or landscape management.
• Growing specialism: tree inspection and surveying, pest & disease management, risk assessments, and commercial contracts.

Conclusion

The Arborist Apprenticeship is a robust training pathway for those committed to a hands-on career caring for trees. It combines rigorous health & safety, technical skills, and practical responsibilities so that by the end, you can operate as a competent arboriculture practitioner, ready to tackle a wide range of tree work in different environments, and position yourself for further growth in the green sector.