About the course
THIS COURSE STARTS IN SEPTEMBER ONLY
PLEASE APPLY NOW FOR THE SEPTEMBER 2026 INTAKE USING 'APPLY NOW' BOX OPPOSITE.
EMAIL EMPLOYERENQUIRIES@MYERSCOUGH.AC.UK
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: Online Delivery
Start date: September 2026
Course length: Two Years (104 weeks)
Entry requirements & additional information
Applicants must have a minimum of four GCSEs at grades A�C (9�4), including Maths and English, or a Level 2 vocational qualification plus GCSEs at grades A�C (9�4) in both Maths and English.
Please note: Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths and English will be accepted as an alternative to GCSEs.
Applicants must also hold a suitable qualification in a related subject or have significant industry experience, and be working in a relevant job role that meets the requirements of the apprenticeship standard.
All prospective applicants are required to complete a pre-entry assignment to demonstrate their understanding of the course level and to enable us to assess their written communication skills.
Apprentices who begin their apprenticeship at age 19 or over are no longer required to study towards and achieve separate English and Maths qualifications. However, English and Maths will continue to be delivered as embedded components of the apprenticeship. Apprentices aged 19+ � or their employers � may still choose for the apprentice to study towards and achieve English and Maths qualifications.
The college strongly advises learners to continue studying English and Maths to enhance career prospects and support progression to higher-level qualifications. The government will continue to fund English and Maths qualifications for apprentices who choose to undertake them.
Exceptional entry may be considered for all apprenticeships at the discretion of the college. This will be based on relevant industry experience, successful completion of the pre-entry assignment, and the outcomes of Initial and Diagnostic assessments in 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.