Level 2 Arborist Apprenticeship

Royal Horticultural Society; Brighton; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading gardening charity in the UK is offering an apprenticeship in Arboriculture based at RHS Garden Wisley. The program aims to equip you with the practical skills needed to care for trees and woody plant collections. You will work closely with experienced staff and also attend college for the Level 2 Arborist qualification. Ideal candidates will have no prior qualifications in Arboriculture and must be residents of the UK for the last three years. Applications close on 22nd February 2026.

Benefits

Insight into professional gardening career

Experience working in a renowned garden

Nationally recognized apprenticeship qualification

Qualifications

• No prior Level 2 qualification in Arboriculture, Forestry, or closely related fields.
• Must not have more than 12 months of practical experience in the industry.
• UK residency for last three years is mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Carry out practical work across various garden areas and seasons.
• Complete a Level 2 qualification at college, studying Arboriculture.
• Learn to use tools and machinery for caring for woody plants.

Skills

Tree care

Chainsaw operations

Climbing and working at heights

Sustainable gardening practices

Education

Level 2 qualification in Arboriculture

Tools

Chainsaw

Climbing equipment

Job description

About the Apprenticeship

Are you interested in learning about trees, arboriculture and arboretums, but new to the industry? Do you want to learn how to care for trees and their safety through tree surgery? Get the practical skills you need to start your career in arboriculture with our apprenticeship.

The Level 2 Arborist apprenticeship programme at RHS Garden Wisley will support you to learn and develop your knowledge and skills by working alongside our knowledgeable, skilled and experienced staff in the workplace.

Alongside the training in the garden, you will also attend college to study for the Level 2 Arborist Apprenticeship qualification. During your time at college, you will develop your understanding of Arboriculture, complete mandatory qualifications and embed the practical learning. On successful completion of the apprenticeship you will achieve the Level 2 Arborist Apprenticeship, a nationally recognised qualification.

During the apprenticeship at RHS Garden Wisley, you will:

• Carry out practical work, in all weathers and across the seasons
• Complete a Level 2 qualification at college (equivalent to GCSE level)
• Work as a member of the Arboriculture team. For more details on the range of garden areas you would work in visit https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley/garden-highlights
• Learn how to use appropriate techniques, tools and machinery, to cultivate, establish and care for our woody plant collections all year round. Including chainsaw operations, tree climbing (working from heights), climbing with a chainsaw, tree felling and working with a range of different machinery.
• Work safely and garden sustainably

These experiences and the skills you learn will equip you for professional life in the industry and start your career in arboriculture.

Benefits of Working for the RHS

To work for the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) is to join a thriving charity, whose mission is to be there for everyone on their lifelong adventure with gardening. Everything we do is built on the transformational power of gardening – and the benefits it brings to people, places and our planet.

And we couldn’t do this without our people. We’re proud of the knowledge, enthusiasm and ideas that each one of our team members brings. From working across our social media channels, to volunteering in the RHS Gardens, from serving customers in our garden centres to running national marketing campaigns, we believe that every member of the RHS team should have the opportunity to make a difference. Our careers portal provides a comprehensive overview of what we offer, the teams that work at the RHS and our great benefits.

You can also learn about the range of careers in arboriculture by visiting https://www.rhs.org.uk/education-learning/careers-horticulture https://www.trees.org.uk/Careers/Careers-in-Arboriculture or https://www.lantra.co.uk/careers

Safeguarding and Inclusion

The RHS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and expects all personnel to share in this commitment. We are an inclusive employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

Further Information

To apply for any work-based training position with the RHS School of Horticulture you must have the right to work in the UK for the duration of the placement, the RHS are unable to sponsor visa applications for these positions.

Due to government funding rules, to be eligible for the apprenticeship: Applicants must not already hold a Level 2 qualification in Arboriculture, Forestry or other closely related industries or have more than 12 months of practical experience in the industry.

UK nationals, citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA) or with Pre-Settled Status through the EU Settlement Scheme and those with the right to abode must have been resident in the UK for at least the previous three years prior to the start of the apprenticeship.

We may review applications as soon as we receive them so if you see a vacancy that you are interested in, please apply straight away as the vacancy will be closed as soon as we receive sufficient applications.

For further information, or if you require any additional support with making your application, please email [e-mail] with details of the position you are applying for.

Applications

Applications close 22nd February 2026

Interviews to be held week commencing 23rd March 2026