At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to learn tree care, maintenance, and safe equipment operation.
- Company: John O'Conner, a leading arboriculture services provider in the UK.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, earn while you learn, and potential for a £40k salary post-apprenticeship.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression to team leader or consultant roles.
- Why this job: Passionate about nature? This is your chance to make a real difference outdoors.
- Qualifications: Must be 17+, fit for manual work, and eager to learn about trees.
Arborist apprenticeship position available working alongside existing teams delivering high quality tree work across our portfolio of clients. A diverse range of work and opportunity for further growth and development.
Responsibilities
- Assist with the maintenance, care and removal of trees and shrubs
- Learn to identify tree species and assess their health and safety
- Perform pruning, trimming and planting of trees under supervision
- Safely operate and maintain equipment such as chainsaws, woodchippers, and climbing gear
- Assist with tree climbing and aerial lift operations
- Learn and follow industry safety standards and procedures
- Clean up job sites, including removal of debris and wood
- Support the arborist team in diagnosing tree diseases, pests and other health concerns
- Complete site-specific risk assessments and emergency action plans
- Select appropriate equipment for tree work operations
- Set out workplace signage (highway & non-highway) and assist with traffic control
- Process tree work arisings using appropriate machinery
- Maintain and take appropriate care of tools, equipment and other onsite factors
- 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 a colleague from a rope and harness
- Work safely at height in the tree under supervision
- Communicate technical information about arboricultural operations to team members, clients and other stakeholders
Qualifications & Attributes
- A genuine interest in tree care and the environment
- Willingness to learn and work outdoors in varying weather conditions
- Good physical fitness and ability to perform manual labour
- Basic understanding of tools and machinery (training provided)
- Strong attention to detail and a safety-conscious mindset
- Ability to work well as part of a team
- Valid driver’s licence (preferred), 17+ years of age, driving licence or willingness to learn – JOC offers support for upfront payment of lessons to be repaid over up to 18-month period
- GCSE or equivalent in Maths and English (grade 3)
- Communication skills
- Customer care skills
- Team working
- Physical fitness
- Share any other relevant qualifications or industry experience – the apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know
About the Company
Whether we are advising on the best species to plant, maintaining existing trees or attending an emergency, our arboriculture services team at John O'Conner supports all your tree-care needs throughout the UK. We are an Arboricultural Association-approved contractor, giving you peace of mind that we meet all regulatory and professional standards for tree care services. Our team uses modern equipment and techniques to take care of routine tree and woodland management, including tree removal, pruning works and stump removal and treatment. We undertake high-quality technical arboricultural operations to BS 3998:2010 standards, in compliance with industry codes of practice and within all required legislation. Highly qualified and experienced, we undertake regular training for our team to maintain and refresh expertise. Opportunity to be a full-time arborist earning £40k per annum upon successful completion of the apprenticeship. Progression to team leader, supervisor, consultant and contract manager.
Apprentice Arborist Level 2 in Royal Wootton Bassett employer: John O'Conner GM Limited
At John O'Conner, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values teamwork and professional growth. Our apprenticeship programme not only provides hands-on experience in arboriculture but also opens doors to career advancement opportunities, with the potential to earn £40k per annum upon completion. With a commitment to safety and ongoing training, we ensure our employees are well-equipped to thrive in their roles while making a positive impact on the environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice Arborist Level 2 in Royal Wootton Bassett
✨Get Hands-On at Local Gardens
Dive into your local horticulture scene! Volunteer at community gardens or local parks to gain practical experience and meet professionals in the field. This not only builds your skills but also expands your network, making you more visible to potential employers like John O'Conner GM Limited.
✨Join Horticulture Societies
Research and join horticulture societies and clubs in your area. These groups often host workshops, events, and networking opportunities that can connect you directly with companies looking for apprentices, like John O'Conner GM Limited. Plus, you'll get to learn from seasoned pros in a relaxed environment.
✨Show Off Your Green Thumb Online
Create a garden blog or an Instagram account to share your horticulture journey. Post about plants you’re working with, gardening tips, or even your experiences at local events. This will not only showcase your passion but also draw attention from potential employers, including John O'Conner GM Limited.
✨Apply Early and Keep It Local
Apprenticeships in horticulture can fill up fast, especially in peak seasons. Make sure to check for openings on our website regularly, and consider walking into garden centres or nurseries to inquire about opportunities directly. A friendly chat can sometimes go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice Arborist Level 2 in Royal Wootton Bassett
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Green Thumb:In horticulture, we like to see your passion for plants and the outdoors. Whether it’s a garden project or a few houseplants you’ve nurtured, include any practical experience and why it inspires you in your application. It’s all about demonstrating your love for the industry!
Highlight Your Learning Potential:Since this is an apprenticeship, we want to know how eager you are to learn and grow. In your cover letter, make sure to discuss what you hope to gain from this role and how it fits into your career goals in horticulture. Show us your enthusiasm for lifelong learning!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any certificates related to gardening, horticulture, or environmental studies, throw them into your application mix! These little nuggets help us see that you’ve got a solid foundation and commitment to the field, making you a more appealing candidate.
Keep It Personal and Passionate:When applying, remember to speak from the heart. Share personal stories or experiences related to horticulture that shaped your interest. We love seeing authentic passion, so let it shine through in your writing. And hey, don’t forget to apply through our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at John O'Conner GM Limited
✨Show Off Your Green Thumb
Make sure to brush up on your plant knowledge! During the interview, we might get into some technical questions about plant care, soil types, or pest management. Have some examples ready from your gardening experience or coursework that show how you’ve dealt with various horticultural challenges.
✨Bring Your Own Garden Portfolio
Since this is an apprenticeship, showcasing your passion can really set you apart. Create a small portfolio with pictures of your gardening projects, plants you've nurtured, or any relevant coursework. This hands-on evidence of your enthusiasm will definitely impress the folks at John O'Conner GM Limited.
✨Know Your Tools and Techniques
Familiarise yourself with the tools and techniques used in horticulture. Whether it's knowing how to use a spade correctly or understanding the basics of propagation, don’t be afraid to mention any specific tools you've used in the past. This will show that you're not just book-smart but also hands-on ready for the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Willingness to Learn
As an apprentice, your eagerness to learn is just as important as your current knowledge. We need to convey your motivation during the interview, so reflect on what excites you about horticulture and how you're keen to grow (pun intended!) in this role at John O'Conner GM Limited. Share any instances where you took the initiative to learn, whether through volunteering or extra courses.
