Central YMCA
John O'Conner (Grounds Maintenance) Limited At a glance
  • Salary: £302 / week
  • Address: Bumble Bee Barn IP24 2QP
  • Start date: 2026-01-05
  • Closing date: 2025-11-30
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Apprentice Arborist Level 2 - Thetford

Arborist apprenticeship position available working alongside existing teams delivering high quality tree work across our portfolio of clients. A diverse range of work and opportunity for further growth and development

Summary

Key Responsibilities:

  • Assist with the maintenance, care and removal of trees and shrubs.
  • Learn to identify tree species and assess their health and safety.
  • Perform pruning, trimming and planting oftrees under supervision.
  • Safely operate and maintain equipment such as chainsaws, wood chippers, and climbing gear. (These tickets will be provided throughout the apprenticeship).
  • Assist with tree climbing and aerial lift operations.
  • Learn and follow industry safety standards and procedures.
  • Clean up job sites including the removal of debris and wood.
  • Support the arborist team in diagnosing tree diseases, pests, and other health concerns.
  • Requirements:
  • A genuine interest in tree care and the environment.
  • Willingness to learn and work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
  • Good physical fitness and ability to perform manual labour.
  • Basic understanding of tools and machinery (training provided).
  • Strong attention to detail and a safety conscious mindset.
  • Ability to work well as part of a team.
  • Valid driver’s license (preferred), 17+ years of age, driving licence or willing to learn – JOC offers support for up front payment of lessons to be repaid over up to 18 month period.

Requirements and prospects

Desired skills

GCSE grade 3 or above in Maths and English is desired but not essential.

 

Future prospects

Opportunity to be a full time arborist earning £40k per annum upon successful completion of the apprenticeship. Progression to team leader, supervisor, consultant and contract manager.

Things to consider

Must be prepared to work outside in all weathers.

Training to be provided

Full level 2 Arborist Apprenticeship.

Functional Skills where required.

About the employer

John O'Conner (Grounds Maintenance) Limited

Whether we are advising on the best species to plant, maintenance of existing trees or attending an emergency, our arboriculture services team at John O’Conner supports all your tree-care needs throughout the UK. We are an Arboricultural Association-approved contractor, giving you peace of mind that we meet all regulatory and professional standards for tree care services.

Our team uses modern equipment and techniques to take care of routine tree and woodland management, including tree removal, pruning works, and stump removal and treatment. We undertake high-quality technical arboricultural operations to BS 3998:2010 standards, in compliance with industry codes of practice and within all required legislation. Highly qualified and experienced, we undertake regular training for our team to maintain and refresh expertise.

Address

John O'conner (Grounds Maintenance) Ltd, 2 Great North Road Welwyn AL6 0PL
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