Reaching new heights – Aborist Apprenticeship

Encouraging staff to aim higher is the norm for the County Council’s Forestry Section, where apprentices are not only sent 40 feet in the air to maintain trees but are also supported to progress in the workplace.

“Apprentices are an integral part of the team and are helping us to grow,” says Jason Tombs, Operations Manager of the Forestry Section at Warwickshire County Council.

The Forestry Section is one of the council’s business units providing tree management services to internal departments such as County Highways, as well as to other local councils, schools and landowners.  In addition to the physical tree work, the service also provides professional advice on tree-related matters. The team has grown over the last 15 years and currently employs 23 staff.

“We run the Section as a business and we expect everyone to put in the hard graft. Within three to four months we find our apprentices are really contributing to the team,” says Jason.

He adds, “Apprenticeships are a highly respected route into tree work and we are delighted that one of our former apprentices, Kevin Tobin, is now a Senior Arborist.”

Jason advises businesses to treat each apprentice as an individual and to always focus on their employability. “We do have to invest time on training and coaching but our staff enjoy passing on their skills and it makes good business sense. If we train our staff with the right skills and in the right way for our business we can provide a quality service to our customers.”

As there is so much to learn in the role, the team’s partnership with Warwickshire College is vitally important. The tutors work closely with apprentices to give extra support where they might be struggling, as well as helping to develop and build upon their strengths.

Jason says, “The main challenge for new apprentices is probably the transition from full-time education to the world of work. Tree work is physically demanding and it has to be taken seriously because we are working in potentially hazardous situations.”

Since 2009 the forestry section has taken on six apprentices, of which three have been taken on by the council and work for the Forestry Section.  A further three apprentices are currently working for the Section at various stages into their course.

One of the newest recruits is 19-year-old Matthew Quinn, an Apprentice Arborist who started in January 2014. Mathew is training in all aspects of arboriculture and is working towards professional qualifications with Warwickshire College.

As well as regularly using a chainsaw over the past 12 months, Matthew has got to grips with a wide range of machinery including tractors, wood chippers, grinders and firewood processors.  His role has also involved working in trees from a rope and harness and being part of a team using a crane in a large tree dismantling project.

One of the most valued parts of his apprenticeship Mathew says is “team working and learning from experienced members of staff.”

Matthew says, “Apprenticeships are a great way to learn a recognised trade in the workplace and receive a salary. I am really grateful that I have been given this opportunity.”