Apprenticeship training course

Arboriculturist (level 4)

Undertake tree inspections and surveys.

• Qualification level: 4 ; Equivalent to higher national certificate (HNC).
• Typical duration: 30 months
• Apprenticeship category: Agriculture, environmental and animal care
• Maximum funding: £14,000 ; Maximum amount government will fund ; for apprenticeship training.
• Skills:
  Skills an apprentice will learn

  • Tree inspection including assessment of health, defects, safety risks, site factors, planning requirements and aesthetics.
  • Interpret maps and plans.
  • Assess tree risk to inform decision making.
  • Specify arboricultural works.
  • Select advanced diagnostic equipment for tree risk assessment.
  • Select biosecurity protocols.
  • Follow instructions and processes.
  • Write arboricultural reports.
  • Use software-based tree management systems, including associated laptop and handheld remote working equipment.
  • Produce plans using digital mapping software (for example GIS).
  • Select and use different formats to communicate information (for example table, image, map, text, graph).
  • Collect, research and analyse arboricultural information and data including reliable information sources.
  • Advise on implications of arboricultural policy, legislation, regulation and best practice including local and national planning policy.
  • Identification of tree species, their characteristics and requirements for healthy growth.
  • Manage projects including working within budget, systems and processes.
  • Produce quotations or tenders including defining a scope/specification of work.
  • Foster professional relationships with clients, customers and colleagues and engage with the community.
  • Negotiate with colleagues and stakeholders to achieve desired outcomes.
  • Communicate information to technical and non- technical audiences using a range of techniques.
  • Take meeting notes or minutes.
  • Seek further information from managers, supervisors or colleagues, when necessary.
  • Create and evaluate relevant risk assessments and method statements for arboricultural operations.
  • Provide customer service.
  • Identify soil type, properties, condition and implications for tree health.
  • Value trees as assets for both amenity and ecosystem service provision.
  • Establish and monitor quality standards for tree work operations.
  • Promote the organisation, products, services or activities.
  • Collect tree data including taking measurements.
  • Make tree management recommendations verbally.
  • Identify tree pests and pathogens, assess impacts on tree health and suggest management responses.
  • Assess tree planting practices.

Full information on Arboriculturist (level 4) is available from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.

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