About the course
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
THIS COURSE IS NOW CLOSED FOR 2025 ENTRY. ANY APPLICATIONS WILL NOW BE CONSIDERED FOR ENTRY IN SEPTEMBER 2026.
PLEASE CONTACT US FOR DETAILS OF NEXT INTAKE. EMAIL [email protected]
This occupation is found in Arboricultural, utility, facilities management and grounds maintenance organisations. These include local authorities, Arboricultural consultancies, estates, commercial organisations and charities.
The broad purpose of the occupation is to undertake tree inspections and surveys, recording information on tree management databases and to evaluate each tree individually. Although evaluating a tree requires balancing a wide range of factors and is complex and varied by nature, Arboriculturists focus on well-defined and more commonly found situations. The Arboriculturist would be supported when dealing, for example, with ancient or veteran trees, those that are rare, those that are of historical or cultural importance or those involved in subsidence. They supervise contractors undertaking specified tree works and can check for the safety of the site and quality of work.
Arboriculturists comply with legislation in relation to trees including making sure relevant authorities have approved work to be undertaken. They provide tree related advice, management and law. They manage woodland, having oversight of budgets, make grant applications and preparing quotes. They manage clients and engage with the public.
In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with colleagues, the public, stakeholders, clients, landowners, lawyers, insurers, budget holders and organisations managing built infrastructure (for example utility companies, highways, street lighting, waterways, railways).
An employee in this occupation will be responsible for:
Assessing tree health and risk
Managing contractors
Dealing with complaints
Understanding and applying law relating to trees
Planning and prioritising survey requirements to ensure work delivery and discharge of legal Duty of Care and to prepare and assess planning applications
Complying with legislation and regulation regarding trees, woodlands and forests to include tree preservation orders, conservation zones, felling licenses and other designations.
You will need to be employed in a suitable position prior to being accepted onto this apprenticeship.
Key Information
Location: Preston Campus or Online Delivery
Course length: Three Years (90 weeks)
Available course dates: Please select the appropriate campus and start date to apply online.
Preston Campus
August 2025
Online Delivery
August 2025
Entry requirements & additional information
An applicant must have attained a minimum of 4 GCSEs at grade A-C (9-4) including maths and English, or a vocational level 2, plus GCSE grade A-C (9-4) in both maths and English. N.B. English & maths Functional Skills Level 2 will be accepted as an alternative to GCSEs.
You also need a suitable Level 3 qualification in s suitable related subject or experience within the industry.
All potential Apprentices will be asked to complete an online functional skills assessment regardless of previous qualifications.
Apprentices who begin their apprenticeship training when aged 19+ will no longer be subject to the mandatory requirement to study towards and achieve English and Maths. However English and Maths will still be delivered as an embedded part of the apprenticeship.
For apprentices aged 19+, the apprentice or their employer can still choose for the apprentice to study towards and achieve English and Maths qualification.
'The college advises learners to keep studying English and maths to enhance their career prospects and facilitate progression to higher-level qualifications'.
The government will continue to fund those apprentices that wish to study towards an English and maths qualification.
Exceptional entries will be considered for all Apprenticeships at the discretion of the college based on experience, successful interview and outcomes of Initial and Diagnostic assessments for English and Maths to establish current levels of ability.
Delivery of the knowledge requirements for this programme is online in line with Myerscough College semesters, and approximately 240 delivery hours (30 per module).
There will also be distance learning support tutorials and mentoring activity throughout the programme.
Workplace visits will also occur, and these will be discussed at sign up.
Attendance at the mandatory online lectures and tutorials will count towards the 20% off the job training requirement for the apprenticeship.
End point assessment
At a point where employer, tutor and apprentice feel is appropriate, apprentices will undertake an end point assessment, which is carried out by a separate approved organisation, independent from Myerscough College.
The end point assessment will contain 4 discrete assessment methods:
Practical demonstration with questions � Short answer test
Multiple choice test
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio
There will be 2 levels of achievement: Pass & Distinction
In the unlikely event of an apprentice needing to resit an End Point Assessment (or elements of the End Point Assessment), then the employer will be responsible for funding these additional costs.
Progression to senior Arboricultural consultancy or management roles.
All apprentices are required to have suitable employment to complete the programme.
A contract of employment must be in place and apprentices must be paid in line with minimum wage rules.
Programme costs are covered by employers through their digital apprenticeship service account.