Starting My Arboriculture Apprenticeship at AWA Tree Consultants

AWA Tree Consultants’ Arboricultural Apprentice

Hello, I’m Brandon, AWA Tree Consultants’ new arboricultural apprentice. I graduated from Bangor University with a degree in biology, where I particularly enjoyed studying woodland ecology. This interest led me to explore opportunities in woodland management.

After a year of hands-on tree work and earning my Level 2 chainsaw certificates, I gained practical experience in the industry. Following that, I spent a few years as a tour guide in the Peak District, sharing my passion for the region’s natural wonders. These experiences fuelled my interest in arboriculture and the broader role of trees in shaping our landscapes.

Why Arboriculture?

Nature has always fascinated me, from observing wildlife in the fields to noticing how landscapes transform with the seasons. Spending time outdoors feels liberating and I hope my arboriculture career will allow me to stay connected to the natural world.

However, getting started in arboriculture can be challenging. The industry often struggles to fill entry-level roles, as many positions require prior experience. This creates a catch-22 for those trying to break into the field.

That’s why the apprenticeship at AWA Tree Consultants is such a fantastic opportunity. It allows me to gain practical experience with a team of expert arboricultural consultants while studying for a Level 4 Arboriculture qualification at Myerscough College. Working four days a week in the field and dedicating one day to college studies lets me earn while I learn.

Gaining Hands-On Experience

The apprenticeship journey began with some challenges due to delays in the academic start date. Thankfully, AWA offered me part-time work before the program officially started. This gave me an early insight into arboricultural work, including assisting with tree surveys for planning applications, tree risk assessments, and drafting various arboricultural reports and plans.

Being out on-site has been one of the most enjoyable aspects of the apprenticeship. I’ve visited rural locations, explored magnificent old trees, and worked in urban environments, including street trees and sites awaiting new developments.

A particular highlight has been learning to use the PiCUS sonic tomography system. This cutting-edge technology creates a non-invasive map of a tree’s interior by measuring the speed of vibrations passing through it. It’s an invaluable tool for identifying decay and hollows, and mastering this system has been one of the many technical skills I’ve gained with AWA’s support.

The Challenges and Rewards of Apprenticeship

Adjusting to the apprenticeship has brought new challenges. Balancing the demands of work and college study has been a learning curve, and the shift to office-based tasks like report writing and software use has taken some getting used to.

However, the practical, hands-on training has been incredibly rewarding. Over the past few months, I’ve learned how to: Accurately measure tree heights, stem diameters and crown spreads, using a laser distometer, improve my tree species I.D skills, and spot signs of potential tree failure.

The team has been patient and thorough in their guidance, answering my questions and helping me build confidence in my skills.

Looking Ahead

As the apprenticeship progresses, I hope to continue developing my surveying skills and exploring new qualifications, such as Professional tree Inspection and Quantified Tree Risk Assessment (QTRA) certification, which seems an industry standard for tree risk surveys. My long-term goal is to deepen my understanding of forest ecology and contribute to sustainable green spaces in urban and rural settings.

AWA Tree Consultants’ mission is “Helping people and trees flourish, through expert advice.” With their support, I’m confident in my ability to grow into a valuable arboricultural consultant, contributing to projects that integrate more green spaces into everyday life.

Starting a new career always comes with challenges, but AWA’s welcoming team and expert guidance have set me up for success in the field of arboriculture.