Apprentice Arborist in Gildersome

Do you love being outdoors, getting stuck into hands-on work and making a positive impact on local environments? Are you curious about how expert tree care keeps communities safe, green and thriving? If so, this could be the perfect opportunity to kickstart your career in arboriculture!

We’re looking for applicants who live within a 30-minute commutable distance from Park Grove, Gildersome, Leeds LS27 7EE. As an Apprentice Arborist, you’ll join our dedicated Tree Team within Environmental Services, learning directly from skilled arborists who keep Yorkshire Housing’s communities safe, beautiful and well-maintained.

You’ll gain real, hands-on experience carrying out essential tree maintenance tasks—like pruning, planting, felling, crown lifting and reductions—while building confidence working outdoors and at height. You’ll learn how to use specialist tools and machinery, including chippers, stump grinders and climbing equipment, all while being supported to work safely, professionally and in line with industry standards. Alongside this practical experience, you’ll study towards your Level 2 Arborist qualification, with plenty of support, encouragement and mentoring along the way.

Your work will help protect our landscapes, support biodiversity and keep residents safe—making a real difference to the quality of life in our communities.

What qualification will I be working towards?

• You’ll be working towards a Level 2 Arborist qualification which includes:
• Attending training to develop climbing and ground-based arborist skills
• Completing coursework, assessments and practical exams
• Building a portfolio showing your growing skills
• Applying your training directly to real tree maintenance work
• Receiving support and mentoring from experienced arborists

What will I be doing?

You’ll be learning new skills every day—both on the ground and eventually in the trees! Here’s some of what you’ll be getting involved in:

• Supporting the Tree Team with tree maintenance across Yorkshire Housing’s estates
• Assisting with felling, pruning, crown lifting, reductions and planting
• Learning safe climbing techniques and gaining confidence working at height
• Using specialist equipment such as chippers, stump grinders and chainsaws (once trained)
• Completing safety checks and maintaining tools and machinery to industry and LOLER standards
• Working outdoors in all weathers and undertaking physical, hands-on tasks
• Wearing the right PPE and following risk assessments and method statements
• Helping to transport tools and equipment safely
• Reporting tree defects and supporting a “first-time fix” approach
• Communicating clearly with colleagues and representing Yorkshire Housing professionally
• Completing all apprenticeship coursework and training requirements

As you grow in confidence and skills, you may also take on additional responsibilities that support your development.

What you’ll bring to the role:

You don’t need experience—we’ll teach you everything—but you’ll need enthusiasm, resilience and a love for the outdoors. Here’s what you’ll need:

• GCSE Grade 2/E or above in English and Maths
• Enthusiasm for tree work and a genuine interest in arboriculture
• A positive attitude and passion for customer service
• Good physical fitness and confidence working at heights
• Practical skills, a methodical approach and the stamina to handle specialist equipment
• Ability to manage your time, stay motivated and work well in a team
• Health and safety awareness
• willingness to learn new systems and adapt to digital tools
• Aged 16+ by September 2026
• Eligible to live and work in the UK (and lived here for the last 3 years)
• Not already qualified at the same or higher level in a similar subject
• Not in full-time or part-time education during the apprenticeship

It would be a bonus if you have:

• A full UK driving licence
• Previous experience in a similar outdoor or practical role

A bit more about us

At Yorkshire Housing, we own and manage nearly 20,000 homes across the region, and our mission is simple: to make it possible for people to have a place they’re proud to call home. Our Environmental Services and Tree Team play a crucial role in that mission—keeping our outdoor spaces safe, healthy and enjoyable for customers and communities. As an Apprentice Arborist, you’ll be an important part of the team that protects our green spaces and enhances the places people call home.

What’s in it for you?

In return, we offer:

• A salary of £15,661 per year
• 37 hours per week
• 26 days annual leave, rising to 31 with service, plus Bank Holidays
• A generous benefits package including:
• Health cash plan
• Pension scheme with employer contributions matched up to 9%
• Wellbeing support including free fitness classes, counselling and GP access
• 2 paid Volunteer Days per year

This is a 24-month fixed-term apprenticeship, and once you’re qualified, we’ll work with you to explore future opportunities with us.

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels they belong. We welcome and encourage candidates from all backgrounds—and we especially welcome applications from our customers. If you need support with your application or have any questions, reach out to our recruitment team at recruitment@yorkshirehousing.co.uk.

The fine print

The closing date for applications is 29th March 2026—but we may close early if we receive lots of great applications, so don’t leave it too late! Assessment Days will be held on the week commencing 20th April.