How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
- a graduate training scheme
University
You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like:
- forestry
- arboriculture
- countryside management
- forest management
- woodland ecology and conservation
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
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College
You could take a course at an agricultural college to learn some of the skills and knowledge you need for this job.
Relevant courses include:
- arboriculture
- forestry and arboriculture
- T Level in Agriculture, Land Management and Production
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
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Apprenticeship
You could apply for a place on an apprenticeship to get into this career. These include:
- Arborist Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
- Arboriculturist Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
- Professional Arboriculturist Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
These apprenticeships take from 2 to 3 years to complete and are a mix of on-the-job training and some study.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
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Work
You could join an organisation, like a local authority or landscaping firm, as an assistant arboricultural officer. You'll need some qualifications or experience, for example as a tree surgeon or groundworker.
Volunteering
You may find it useful when looking for jobs to have some relevant practical experience. You can find volunteering opportunities with conservation bodies like:
Direct Application
You could apply directly to become an arboricultural officer.
You'll usually need:
- experience of working in a related job, like an arboricultural assistant, tree surgeon, ecologist or landscape architect
- a nationally recognised arboricultural qualification like the Level 4 Certificate in Arboriculture
Other Routes
If you have a degree in a relevant subject, you can apply for a graduate training scheme place with Forestry England. Check with them for application dates.
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Professional and industry bodies
You could join the Institute of Chartered Foresters for professional development.
Further information
You can find out more about working in arboriculture from: