In Summary
A career in arboriculture is best suited for those interested in the care and study of trees. An interest is necessary in working outdoors in a physically challenging environment with a good head for heights whilst keeping fit and learning new challenges in a continually changing environment – as every tree is unique in its own right.
Arborists manage trees, hedgerows and shrubs. The work is undertaken in both rural and urban settings and includes all aspects of felling, pruning, thinning, rigging, section felling, preserving, planting and protecting trees, sometimes using heavy equipment. They also provide information and advice on specific tree-related issues.
There is an increasing focus on maintaining a safe relationship between the trees, their immediate environment and the general public.
The role of the Arborist is to carry out any required arboriculture works in a correct manner that meets the objectives in its environment and to industry standards. The arborist should possess the skills that enable him/her to carry out such work in a manner that doesn’t put them, their crew, or the general public at risk nor cause damage to existing structures, whilst meeting required standards.
During the two-year course, apprentices learn about all areas of arboriculture through both on-the-job and off-the-job study and practice.
Apprentices are paid a salary by their employer for the duration of the programme; this is agreed between the employer and the apprentice.
Apprentices are supported by both their off-the-job instructor and their workplace mentor.
On completion of this two-year apprenticeship, you will become a fully qualified arborist, with a QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Arboriculture.
You may then choose to work as an arborist in the arboriculture industry.
You may also use the qualification to progress within the sector and/or to higher education programmes.
View the Arboriculture Apprenticeship brochure by clicking here
To view full details of this occupation, view information from our Careers database for the following occupation: Arboriculture
Entry Requirements
Arborist Apprenticeship Entry Requirements
The following are our proposed minimum entry requirements:
- Must be employed by an ‘approved employer’ and have met programme pre-requisites* through employer.
- Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
- Level 4 Award or equivalent and/or have a minimum of 12 months’ relevant experience in a related trade and/or Arborist employment.
- Non EU applicants will be subject to work permit regulations.
- Applicants must provide evidence demonstrating English language competence at B1 in reading and writing.
- Have an interest in working outdoors in a physically challenging environment.
- Have a good head for heights.
- *Pre-requisites – First Aid, Safe Pass & Manual Handling*
Training
Programme Schedule
Stage 1
- Induction
- Tree Identification
- Soil science, Tree Planting & Establishment
- Legislation, Regulation, Health & Safety
- Aboriculture Operations 1
- Team Leadership
Stage 2
- Tree Identification
- Soil science, Tree Planting & Establishment
- Pests, Diseases & Disorders
- Tree surveys & Tree Management
- Aboriculture Operations 2
- Capstone
Full profiles on each module are available in the official brochure here
Skills & Qualities
Dependability
Display reliability: attends work and arrives on time. Willing to take direction and take responsibility for their work and the learning needs of others, within a professional and learning environment. Employs good listening skills.
Professionalism
Present themselves in a professional manner both in appearance, language and behaviour both on and off the job. Obtain a good work ethic. Show an appreciation for Health and Safety. Follow safety rules and reflect upon and be mindful of procedures.
Adaptability
Work effectively with a team/crew as well as own initiative
Personal Commitment
Demonstrate a safety mind-set to protect staff, colleagues and others. Demonstrate an ability to take on a job and see it through. Execute selfawareness and awareness of others and trees they leave behind.
Agility and Aptitude
Climb and rig with a very good level of physical fitness. Be competent and confident working at heights with an aptitude for outdoor pursuits. Maintain high levels of physical fitness
Temperament
Work well under pressure. Exercise patience and calm.
Work Activities
The role of the arborist involves managing trees, hedgerows and shrubs in both urban and rural settings and providing information and advice on specific tree related issues.
As an arborist, you will be carrying out tasks such as the felling, pruning, thinning, preserving and protection of trees using a range of equipment.
By the end of your training, you will be able to:
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Understand the benefits of trees, the principles of their establishment, growth and the care of trees and shrubs
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Undertake a range of tree surgery works using a range of equipment both from the ground and a tree
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Detail the importance of identifying and managing pest, disease and disorders of trees
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Understand the importance of safety to protect colleagues and others
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Articulate effectively with colleagues and clients proving clear and concise information
Career Progression
Currently, Arboriculture has a low level of regulations apart from individual health and safety programmes that are required from an insurance point of view. The arboriculture industry in the UK, Europe and Australia is well established, in Ireland the industry is mostly made up of individual employers who are operating independently of each other and all acknowledge, they need to bring in an internationally recognised standard to improve the industry.
All businesses contacted to date, have reported issues with enticing and retaining people in the industry. The lack of a chosen career path enabling employability within the industry is cited as leading to issues with retention.
Members of the Consortium from industry are North West Forest Services, Kilcoyne Tree Surgery, Treepro, ESB Networks with representation from Arboriculture Association – Ireland, Ballyhaise College, Teagasc and Galway Mayo Institute of Technology.
- Progression in Further Education - Arboricultural or Horticultural Qualification - Professional Trainer/Teacher
- Local Authority City/County Council - Team Leader - Arborist / Tree Officer
- Commercial Private Property - Team Leader - Company Owner / Consultant
Getting an Apprenticeship
To become an apprentice in Ireland you must be hired by an employer. Apprenticeship employers are formally approved by SOLAS in advance of employing apprentices. Apprentices get a formal contract of employment as part of their apprenticeship.
Applications for this programme open in March and September each year, with the programme running through the summer.
Training for this apprenticeship is delivered at Petersburg Outdoor Education Centre, Clonbur, Co.Galway
This apprenticeship is managed by Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board (GR ETB). If you are interested in the arboriculture apprenticeship you should make contact with GRETB via the contact details below.
To find an apprenticeship, you can search apprenticeship vacancies and a list of currently approved apprentice employers on the Apprenticeship Jobs & Employers Portal. You can search for vacancies by location, and employers in each apprenticeship.
Use this link to explore a list of Approved Employers by Region and by Apprenticeship type.
Full eligibility criteria for this apprenticeship are available in the Occupational Profile.
Further information is also available from:
Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board
Jeremy Ryan
Coordinator - National Apprenticeship in Arboriculture
Mervue Business Park
Monivea Road
Galway
Tel: 091 706283/ 086 061 7958
Email: [email protected]
Finding an employer and securing your apprenticeship
Finding an employer or registering your interest with an official Coordinating Provider is one of the first things you need to do to start an apprenticeship.
Opportunities for this apprenticeship may be available from the following organisations:
Online Jobsites
Here are some direct links to employment websites that frequently list apprenticeship vacancies.
Note: These websites may include vacancies that are not QQI accredited Apprenticeships.
Below are the results for an Apprentice from indeed.ie.
Pay & Fees
As an apprentice, you earn while you learn. The employer pays you a salary while you are being trained on-the-job and off-the-job. The rate of pay is agreed between you and your employer.
Apprentices are not required to pay a student contribution for this apprenticeship
