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- Tasks: Join us as an Apprentice Arborist, caring for trees in urban and rural settings.
- Company: North Northamptonshire Council is dedicated to enhancing local environments and communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a supportive work culture with great perks.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on biodiversity while gaining hands-on experience and a formal qualification.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; just a willingness to learn and work as part of a team.
- Other info: Work outdoors in all weather and engage with diverse stakeholders in your daily tasks.
About the role
The broad purpose of the arborist apprenticeship is the care and maintenance of trees for their benefits and values in diverse urban and rural locations, from street trees, city parks and urban woodlands to country estates and private gardens. The industry manages trees adjacent to highways, railways, watercourses and power lines. The work of an Arborist involves diverse activities such as chainsaw work, aerial tree work, pruning, dismantling of trees, and using machinery such as brushwood chippers.
Arborists play an important role in managing biodiversity by carrying out practical solutions in the management of trees, including at times those that are rare or in a heritage environment. The Arborist is not only tasked with the practical management of the ageing tree process, but the care of the next generation of trees, which will be vitally important for the future generations. This work includes the management of pests and disease, and formative pruning of young trees in order to form a good canopy structure for the longevity of trees.
In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with many different people during a typical working day, including managers, supervisors, contract managers to local tree officers and arboricultural consultants overseeing arboricultural works. Other interactions may involve stakeholders, clients, landowners, and organisations managing built infrastructure, for example utility companies, highways, street lighting, waterways, railways. The most important interactions will be with clients and members of the public and will involve using a range of communication methods and techniques from fielding complaints and concerns, to explaining why an arboricultural operation is to be carried out.
An employee in this occupation will be responsible for applying best practice for the practical side of the arboriculture industry. This will include felling, climbing, pruning and dismantling of trees, and the use of machinery like woodchippers and stump grinders. Ground-based duties include preparing the work site, kit maintenance, formative pruning and hedge maintenance. An Arborist is also expected to maintain effective communication with internal and external stakeholders, work together and be a collaborative team member. They will need an awareness of other colleagues\’ roles.
for further information please see the following link;
Working out of our Robinson Way Depot in Kettering to support Arborists in delivering high quality standards of tree care within North Northamptonshire’s Assets and Environment team across the area. The apprenticeship role offers hands on experience while studying towards a formal qualification contributing to the planting, maintenance and removal of trees.
- To work towards and achieving the Arborist Apprenticeship with either a Pass or Distinction grade
- Carry out relevant site-based tasks as directed to ensure the gathering of knowledge, skills and behaviours of your apprenticeship, using both knowledge received through college work and practical experience gained through the workplace
- To continually train and develop yourself in line with the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours of the apprenticeship
- To attend mentoring sessions where applicable
- Use of arboriculture care equipment to perform tree care and maintenance across the Councils tree stock and other associated tasks within the expected remit of Assets and Environment provision across Parks and Open Spaces, identified Council assets and other locations within the area of operation as directed by the Arboricultural Development Manager in line with the Councils relevant policy and procedures.
- To work in all weather conditions providing service outcomes across the area of operation as directed.
- To carry out all routine inspections of equipment prior to use and to ensure that equipment is clean, adequately greased, levels are topped up and maintained, stored and returned as directed.
- To adhere to the requirements of the Fleet division carrying out all operational inspections to vehicles as directed.
- Ensure that all Health and Safety procedures are always followed and any hazards reported immediately. Understand and follow, North Northamptonshire Councils Health and Safety Management System at all times.
- To carry out relevant site-based tasks as directed to ensure the safe/compliant delivery of arboriculture tasks. To ensure policies and procedures are always adhered to whilst performing any tasks across the Council’s estate.
About you
To work towards the appropriate recognised apprenticeship standard
Ability to follow instructions
Health and Safety aware
Capacity to undertake physical aspects of the role including manual handling, walking long distances, using pedestrian equipment and working in all weather conditions
Ability to work at height
Ability to work as part of a team to deliver objectives and standards across Council assets.
Willing to undertake training
Ability to demonstrate awareness/understanding of equal opportunities and other people’s behaviour, physical, social and welfare needs.
Here at North Northamptonshire Council, we’re transforming for the better, using all our creativity and imagination to create the best life for our local people.
You’ll find that we have a wide range of careers that may be more surprising than you think!
Why choose us?
We offer a vibrant working environment with:
- a pension scheme, where we pay a significant contribution on top of your contribution. It provides life cover and ill-health protection.
- lots of opportunities to develop your skills, knowledge and potential in a large unitary council
- generous leave entitlement (28days, rising to 33days) and bank holidays, plus the option to buy up to an extra 10 days
- hybrid and flexible working arrangements, where practicable for service needs to help you with a healthy work-life balance.
We provide a range of great benefits such as an Employee Assistance Programme, an Employee Benefits Scheme, wellbeing support, travel rates at HMRC rates, as well as supporting a range of active Employee Network Groups.
About us
Our Values and Behaviours
Our values define who we are and how we operate, by forming the foundation for how we interact with our customers, colleagues and provide our services. They are also at the forefront of our decision making and delivery and are:
Customer-focused
Respectful
Efficient
Supportive
Trustworthy
Our Key Commitments
Our key commitments help ensure that the priorities we make, now and in the future, maintain the necessary breadth of focus in those areas that we believe matter most.
We are proud to be a recognised Disability Confident Employer and is committed to providing an inclusive recruitment process and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role.
North Northamptonshire Council re-signed the Armed Forces Covenant in June 2024 which highlights the Council’s pledge to support the Armed Forces community. The council obtained the silver status award for the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) and we are now currently working towards achieving Gold status.
Further information can be found at Jobs and careers | North Northamptonshire Council (northnorthants.gov.uk)
The following content displays a map of the job\’s location.
- Location Robinson Way, Kettering, United Kingdom
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Apprentice Arborist employer: Northamptonshire Sport
Contact Detail:
Northamptonshire Sport Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice Arborist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific tools and equipment used in arboriculture, such as chainsaws and woodchippers. Being knowledgeable about these tools will not only help you during practical assessments but also show your enthusiasm and readiness for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with local arborists or join community groups focused on tree care and maintenance. Networking with professionals in the field can provide valuable insights and may even lead to mentorship opportunities that can enhance your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your commitment to health and safety practices by researching relevant regulations and best practices in arboriculture. Showing that you understand the importance of safety in this physically demanding role will make you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your teamwork skills and experiences during the interview. Since the role involves collaboration with various stakeholders, being able to articulate how you've successfully worked in teams will highlight your suitability for the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice Arborist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Apprentice Arborist position. Familiarise yourself with the tasks involved, such as tree care, maintenance, and the use of specific equipment.
Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the job description. Emphasise any previous work or volunteer experience related to outdoor work, teamwork, or physical labour, as these are crucial for this role.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for arboriculture and your eagerness to learn. Mention specific aspects of the role that excite you, such as working in diverse environments or contributing to biodiversity management.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since the role involves interacting with various stakeholders, demonstrate your communication skills in your application. Provide examples of how you've effectively communicated in past roles or situations, especially in team settings.
How to prepare for a job interview at Northamptonshire Sport
✨Know Your Arboriculture Basics
Brush up on your knowledge of tree care, maintenance, and the specific tasks an Arborist performs. Be prepared to discuss techniques like pruning, felling, and using machinery such as woodchippers. Showing a solid understanding of these concepts will demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Emphasise Teamwork Skills
Since the role involves working closely with various stakeholders, highlight your ability to collaborate effectively. Share examples from past experiences where you successfully worked as part of a team, especially in challenging situations or outdoor environments.
✨Demonstrate Health and Safety Awareness
Health and safety is crucial in arboriculture. Be ready to discuss how you prioritise safety in your work, including any relevant training or certifications you may have. Mention your understanding of health and safety procedures and how you would apply them in this role.
✨Show Enthusiasm for Learning
As an apprentice, a willingness to learn is key. Express your eagerness to develop your skills and knowledge throughout the apprenticeship. Discuss any previous training or mentoring experiences that have shaped your approach to learning and growth in a practical setting.
