Our Vacancy
Apprentice Arborist – Start Your Career in Tree Care and Outdoor Services
Love working outdoors and interested in learning a skilled trade? As an Apprentice Arborist at Peabody, you’ll begin your career in tree care, working as part of our Tree Services team across Thamesmead. You’ll gain hands‑on experience while completing a structured apprenticeship, developing the skills and knowledge needed to become a qualified arborist.
This is a fantastic opportunity to learn from experienced professionals, build practical skills and contribute to maintaining safe, healthy and well‑managed tree stock across our communities.
What you’ll do
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Support tree work operations including pruning, reductions, crown lifting and pollarding
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Assist with tree felling and stump removal following safe working practices
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Help install and maintain tree support and bracing systems
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Learn how to inspect and assess trees with experienced arborists
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Use and maintain tools and equipment safely, including chainsaws, ropes and harnesses (training provided)
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Follow instructions and support the team to complete work safely and on time
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Complete apprenticeship training, coursework and practical assessments
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Record work activities and maintain accurate documentation where required
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Communicate professionally with residents, colleagues and members of the public
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Follow all Health & Safety procedures to ensure safe working at all times
What you’ll gain during your apprenticeship
As part of your apprenticeship, you will:
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Receive structured on‑the‑job training with experienced arborists
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Attend training sessions, workshops and assessments with your training provider
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Gain a recognised Level 2 Arborist qualification
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Complete assignments and build a portfolio of evidence
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Take part in regular progress reviews and development support
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Receive mentoring and coaching throughout your learning journey
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Complete an End Point Assessment (EPA) to demonstrate your skills and competence
What you’ll need
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A positive attitude and strong willingness to learn
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Interest in trees, the environment or outdoor work
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Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions
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Physical fitness and willingness to undertake manual work, including working at height
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Ability to follow instructions and work safely as part of a team
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Good basic communication skills
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Basic literacy and numeracy skills (or willingness to develop them)
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Commitment to completing training and coursework
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A full UK manual driving licence
Who you are
You will be:
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Enthusiastic, reliable and motivated to learn a new trade
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Comfortable working outdoors and in a physical role
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A team player with a positive and proactive attitude
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Professional and polite when interacting with others
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Committed to developing a long‑term career in arboriculture
Why Join Us?
When you join Peabody, you’re joining a team guided by our values:
Be Kind, Do the Right Thing, Love New Ideas, Celebrate Diversity, Keep Our Promises, and Pull Together.
We’re committed to developing future talent and providing opportunities to grow and succeed.
What We Offer
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30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
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Two paid volunteering days each year
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Fully funded apprenticeship programme
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Ongoing mentoring and career development opportunities
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Life assurance at 4x your salary
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Up to 10% pension contribution
Please read before applying
This is a physically demanding outdoor role involving working at height and in all weather conditions. You must be committed to learning, training and safe working practices.
You will be required to attend Merrist Wood College in Guildford one day per week as part of your apprenticeship training.
All applicants must hold a full UK manual driving licence.
The recruitment process
Candidates who pass the initial shortlist will be invited to record responses to two short video questions.
If successful at this stage, candidates will be invited to attend an in-person interview and at-height assessment at our Hailey Road depot on Thursday 2nd July.
If this sounds like the right opportunity for you and you’d love to start your career with Peabody, we’d like to hear from you.
Please apply now by submitting an anonymised CV and a short statement explaining why you’re interested in this apprenticeship.
Got questions? Reach out to George Murphy, Talent Specialist, at [email protected]
We reserve the right to close this advert early should we receive enough applications.
