In most roles, work experience is useful when you’re learning…there’s only so much you can get from a “full time” college course which actually only runs for three days in the week which also has to cover the essentials of basic tree identification, biology, soil types, planting, pruning, health and safety…the list goes on.

Arboriculture is a very wide field and there is a great deal more to practical tree surgery than it might first appear. We estimate that it takes approximately two years post-training at college to be competent as a practicing tree surgeon. It might take even longer this year when most courses have been put on hold for months through the COVID pandemic.

Here’s Oliver, getting a bit more practice in ground-based tree felling with mentoring and practical training from Andy Hughes, one of our longest and most experienced groundsmen, who also happens to take pride and enjoyment in supporting the development of younger team members.

The commitment of our team to the training, mentoring, coaching and general all-round support of new entrants to the business is something to be proud of. It requires a different kind of contribution from everyone and has a positive impact on the company culture; it demands preparation, care, patience, understanding, and – dare we say it – a degree of kindness that isn’t always obvious, or valued, in some company cultures.

There are lots of reasons NOT to offer work experience: We’re always super-busy, there are undoubtedly significant risks which must be taken very seriously, and some young people can be pretty challenging when they haven’t yet built up good basic work habits of getting out of bed and turning up on time day after day! 

In our experience though, the benefits of taking on a work experience student far outweigh the downsides. It’s a pleasure to help develop the potential in a person like Oliver who is keen to learn and wants to succeed. The path hasn’t been easy this year – college has been closed for weeks and the majority of his learning is coming from being around our team and working alongside them – but he hasn’t failed in his commitment to his aim of working as a tree surgeon.

There’s a shortage of young people coming into the business and we’re pleased to play a small part in responding to that need.

For advice and a quote for works to your trees and hedges, call Andrew on 01256 817369, 07771 883061 or email him: Andrew@primarytreesurgeons.co.uk  Twitter: @PrimaryTreeSurg