On-site

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

University

You can study for a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree.

Relevant courses include:

• forestry
• arboriculture
• countryside management
• forest management
• woodland ecology and conservation

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

College

You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. Relevant subjects include:

• Level 2 Certificate in Arboriculture
• Level 3 Diploma in Forestry and Arboriculture

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements
• funding advice
• search for courses

Apprenticeship

You can get into this job through an arborist intermediate apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

Work

You may be able to start as a ground worker, supporting a qualified tree surgeon. You could then work your way up by completing further training in the use of chainsaws, ropes, ladders and harnesses.

Volunteering and work experience

It can be useful to get some experience of tree work by volunteering with conservation organisations or horticultural groups. For example, you can contact The Tree Council, the National Trust and the Woodland Trust about opportunities.

Requirements and restrictions

You'll need to:

• You may need a driving licence and access to a vehicle to travel to jobs.
• be able to cope with working at height
• have a Certificate of Competence, if you carry out hazardous tasks using a chainsaw

More information

Professional and industry bodies

You can join the The Arboricultrual Association for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You can find more details about working with trees through The Arboricultural Association and the Royal Forestry Society.

With qualifications and experience, you could progress to supervisor or manager. You could also start your own business.

You could move into recreational tree climbing, taking people into treetops as an outdoor activity.

You can find more details about working with trees through The Arboricultural Association.