Arboriculture Apprentice

Locations: Birr, Portlaoise, Roscrea Town and Tullamore Typical tasks/responsibilities

A career in arboriculture is best suited for those interested in the care and study of trees. An interest is necessary in working outdoors in a physically challenging environment with a good head for heights whilst keeping fit and learning new challenges in a continually changing environment – as every tree is unique in its own right. Arborists manage trees, hedgerows and shrubs. The work is undertaken in both rural and urban settings and includes all aspects of felling, pruning, thinning, rigging, section felling, preserving, planting and protecting trees, sometimes using heavy equipment. They also provide information and advice on specific tree-related issues. There is an increasing focus on maintaining a safe relationship between the trees, their immediate environment and the general public. The role of the Arborist is to carry out any required arboriculture works in a correct manner that meets the objectives in its environment and to industry standards. The arborist should possess the skills that enable him/her to carry out such work in a manner that doesn’t put them, their crew, or the general public at risk nor cause damage to existing structures, whilst meeting required standards.

Knowledge Equipment

Distinguish the use and application of arboricultural equipment. Undertake a full range of tree surgery works using a range of equipment both from the ground and a tree. Take appropriate care of tools, equipment and customer property and PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). Awareness of the impact of the mis-use of equipment.

Health & Safety • Evaluate current environmental, wildlife and health and safety legislation, standards and codes of practice in relation to arboricultural works. Specialist knowledge of the legislation relating to trees e.g. Tree Preservation Orders and Conservation Areas. Forest Service Felling Acts, electrical safety for working in the vicinity of power lines. Hazard Tree assessments and Survey. Tree protection for Construction projects. Traffic Management. Traffic Management obligations. Basic electrical awareness for Utility Arborist.

Role Purpose • Demonstrate an understanding of the benefits of trees, the principles of their establishment, growth and the care of trees and shrubs. Demonstrate an awareness and understanding of other disciplines, such as forestry. Procedures • Define the procedures and specific instructions for dealing with incidents and emergencies. Demonstrate an understanding of the structure and distribution of electrical lines and different voltages in relation to this occupational field. Demonstrate competencies in pre-work planning assessments, following method statements and job aids which are site specific. Scientific Principles

• Specify the principles and importance of identifying and selecting the different types of trees in relation to dendrology (scientific study of trees). Specify the importance of identifying and managing pests, diseases and disorders of trees in a range of contexts including municipal Arboriculture (Urban Forestry). Demonstrate a clear understanding of the principles of tree biology.

Structure and Design

• Demonstrate proficiency in conducting survey(s) for underground cables and services. Select plants and design landscaping schemes. Appraise tree and plant Inventories.
• Apply specialist knowledge of tree biology for effective tree maintenance. Carry out tree inspections and supervised climbing surveys. Interpret soil testing. Supervise the long-term planning of placement and maintenance of trees. Advise regarding the preservation of existing trees and the suitability of development sites.

Proposed minimum entry requirements for apprentices on the programme From contact with stakeholders in the industry, we have identified potential issues with literacy and numeracy. GR ETB has a well-developed support structure already used within our apprenticeships to help participants with any literacy and numeracy issues. GR ETB has developed a ‘Study and Learning Handbook’ along with an ‘Introductory Maths Course’ which we intend to adapt for use with this apprenticeship. This innovative approach intervenes at Phase 1 of the apprenticeship cycle to support apprentices on their journey to successfully completing all phases of their apprenticeship as well as providing an integrated literacy and numeracy service.

The following are our proposed minimum entry requirements: • Must be employed by an ‘approved employer’; • Level 4 Award or equivalent; • Non EU applicants will be subject to work permit regulations; • Apprentices must provide evidence demonstrating English language competence at B1 in reading and writing OR • Have a minimum of 12 months’ relevant experience in a related trade and/or Arborist employment; • Attend interview with Subject Matter Expert and GRETB personnel;