Agriculture

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

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

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

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
• funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
• search for agricultural colleges|https://nlbc.uk/partners/members/
• search for courses|/find-a-course

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

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

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 and work experience

You may find it useful when looking for jobs to have some relevant practical experience. You can find volunteering opportunities with conservation bodies like:

• Trees for Cities
• The Tree Council
• the Woodland Trust

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.

More information

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 The Arboricultural Association and the Royal Forestry Society.

View all vacancies in this region

With experience, you could:manage a team of arboricultural officers and co-ordinate work with outside contractors; work as a consultant, advising organisations on tree management, conservation and safety; find teaching opportunities with training providers who offer courses in arboriculture