Summary
As an Apprentice Arborist, you’ll join our dedicated Tree Team, learning directly from skilled arborists. 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.
Wage
£15,661 a year
Salary will progress in line with NMW in year 2.You can claim back for prescriptions,eye tests, make the most of retail discounts and take advantage of our pension scheme where we’ll match your contributions up to 9%, just to name a few.
Training course
Arborist (level 2)
Hours
Monday- Thursday - 7.5 hours per day and Friday 7 hours, start and finish times to be confirmed.
37 hours a week
Start date
Monday 7 September 2026
Duration
2 years
Positions available
1
Work
Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.
What you'll do at work
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
Where you'll work
Unit 5 and 6 Gildersome Nano Park
Gilhusum Road
Leeds
LS27 7FN
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
CENTRAL YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION
Training course
Arborist (level 2)
What you'll learn
Course contents
* 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.
* 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.
Training schedule
At Yorkshire Housing, we own and manage over 20,000 homes across the Yorkshire region. Providing our customers with a place they’re proud to call home is at the core of what we do. But our service doesn’t stop when the keys are in the door.
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.
More training information
You’ll be working towards completing a Level 2 Arborist qualification. We''ll give you one day a week for study. You’ll need to make sure that all of your assignments and assessments are completed as you work towards your qualification.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
English and Maths (grade Level 2 (E) or above)
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
* Organisation skills
* Customer care skills
* Physical fitness
* Strong communication skills
* Excellent teamwork skills
* Willing to learn
* Enthusiasm for tree work
* Practical skills
* Methodical
* Positive attitude
* Willing to learn new systems
* Can manage your time
* Health&Safety awareness
Other requirements
It would be a bonus if you have:
* A full UK driving licence
* Previous experience in a similar outdoor or practical role
You must be:
Eligible to live and work in the UK and have lived here for the past 3 years.
Not already holding a qualification in a similar subject at the same or higher level.
Not in full‑time or part‑time education during the apprenticeship.