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Apprenticeship training course

Arborist (level 2)

There are 25 training providers who offer this course. Check if a training provider can deliver this training in the apprentice's work location.

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Information about Arborist (level 2)

Pruning, felling and maintaining trees.

Knowledge, skills and behaviours
View knowledge, skills and behaviours

Knowledge

  • Arboricultural equipment and their use and maintenance requirements.
  • PPE requirements for arboricultural operations.
  • Principles and understanding of Health and safety legislation (Health & Safety at Work Act), standards (BS3998), and codes of practice (ICOP) in relation to arboricultural works.
  • Practicalities of onsite risk assessments, with knowledge of putting in place control measures to maintain a safe working site.
  • How to carry out processing of tree work arisings.
  • Understanding of the use of MEWPS within the arboricultural sector.
  • Key principles of electrical safety for working near power line(s), including how to read and adhere to risk assessments.
  • Principles and understanding of current codes of practice including environmental and wildlife legislation in relation to arboricultural works.
  • Principles and understanding of legislation relating to trees including Tree Preservation Orders and Conservation Areas including the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.
  • The procedures and specific instructions for dealing with incidents and emergencies, for example, aerial rescues.
  • The principles of tree planting and establishment.
  • How to identify trees and the value of using their common names
  • The risks and impacts of tree decay fungi
  • The principles and techniques of formative pruning for young trees
  • Principles and techniques of target pruning for mature trees
  • Procedures for setting out workplace signage (highway & non highway) and assist with traffic control
  • How to identify and manage pests, diseases, and disorders of trees
  • The benefits of trees for people, air quality, nature, the environment, ecosystem services.
  • Different communication techniques to use, for example, tone of voice, listening, etc.

Skills

  • Recognise health and safety needs onsite and work safely
  • Complete site-specific risk assessments and emergency action plans
  • Select appropriate equipment for tree work operations
  • Set out workplace signage (highway & non highway) and assists with traffic control
  • Process tree work arisings using appropriate machinery
  • Maintain and take appropriate care of tools, equipment and other onsite factors (such as customer or public buildings etc.)
  • Recognise a variety of tree species using common names
  • Carry out a range of formative pruning operations
  • Carry out branch removal up to 200mm diameter with hand tools (target pruning for final cut).
  • Fell and process small trees up to 380mm diameter.
  • Support aerial tree workers with transfer of equipment for aerial tree work operations
  • Perform an aerial rescue of colleague from a rope and harness
  • Work safely at height in the tree under supervision
  • Communicate technical information about arboricultural operations to fellow team members, clients and other stakeholders as required.

Behaviours

  • Has a safety mind-set to protect self, colleagues, and others
  • Works effectively within a team/crew
  • Presents a professional manner in appearance, language, and behaviour
  • Takes responsibility for completing their tasks to show they can be relied upon.
  • Ensures they are mindful of environmental and sustainability factors at all times whilst carrying out their work.
Apprenticeship category (sector)
Agriculture, environmental and animal care
Qualification level
2
Equal to GCSE
Course duration
24 months
Maximum funding
£15,000
Maximum government funding for
apprenticeship training and assessment costs.
Job titles include
  • Arborist
  • Climbing arborist
  • Tree surgeon

View more information about Arborist (level 2) from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.