RHS Apprenticeship Arborist
Two positions available
Job details
Location
RHS Garden Wisley and RHS Garden Bridgewater
Hours of work
Full Time
Contract
Temporary
Closing date
February 22, 2026
About this Opportunity
- No previous arboricultural experience or qualifications are required
- You must have the right to work in England for the duration of the placement to apply for any apprenticeship*
- Applicants should be able to demonstrate a passion for trees, woodlands, arboriculture, arboretums or forest ecology
- Applicants must have the ability to grasp information and apply recently gained knowledge. They must have a reasonable standard of IT literacy and digital skills (use email, Microsoft Word, apps, and the internet) to research and create coursework
- It is desirable to have GCSE grades A* to C or 9 – 4 in English and Maths. If you do not have English and/or Maths GCSE qualifications (or equivalents), you will be required to complete Functional Skills at college as part of your apprenticeship
Please note: If you already hold all or part of a Level 2 arboricultural qualification (at Certificate or Diploma level) you are not eligible for the Level 2 apprenticeship due to government funding rules.
*Additionally, to qualify for apprenticeship funding, UK nationals and those with the right to abode must have been resident in the UK for at least three years prior to the start of the apprenticeship. For further information, please contact us by email on schoolofhorticulture@rhs.org.uk.
Working in the Garden
Arborists use specialised techniques and machinery to develop, maintain and enhance tree collections within our woodlands, arboretums and the wider landscapes of RHS gardens.
College Studies
Learn the skills and techniques to carry out chainsaw work, aerial tree work, pruning, dismantling of trees, and using machinery such as brushwood chippers.
Arborists play an important role in managing biodiversity by carrying out practical tree management on trees of all ages, including those that are rare or in a heritage environment.
For more details of the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours you will complete during the apprenticeship please visit the Skills England website.
After Your Apprenticeship
Successfully achieving this Apprenticeship will give you the opportunity to:
- Work in the professional arboriculture sector
- Apply for further work-based training at RHS Gardens
- Complete further studies at a land-based college or use the Find an Apprenticeship website to search for progression opportunities
How to Apply
To apply head to the RHS Website here.
