Riseholme College has announced the launch of two new apprenticeship programmes in arboriculture, designed to equip the next generation of tree care professionals with the skills needed to thrive.
We are offering a Level 2 Arborist Apprenticeship and a Level 3 Forest Craftsperson Apprenticeship, both accredited by LANTRA.
The programmes have been developed in close consultation with regional employers and industry partners, following clear evidence of skills shortages across Lincolnshire and the wider East Midlands.
The arboriculture and forestry industries are experiencing increased demand for skilled workers, driven by national initiatives such as the England Tree Strategy, urban greening projects and biodiversity net gain policies.
Employers across the region – from local authorities to private contractors – have reported significant challenges in recruiting qualified staff to manage and maintain woodlands, parks and green infrastructure.
Lenny Malloy, Head of Area at Riseholme College, said: “We are delighted to be introducing these new arboriculture programmes, which directly respond to the needs of employers in our region.
“We’ve worked closely with councils, contractors and specialist firms to identify where the gaps are, and it’s clear there is a pressing need to train and develop the next generation of skilled arborists and forestry professionals.
“At Riseholme, we’re committed to preparing students not only for employment, but also for meaningful, sustainable careers.
“These apprenticeships will provide hands-on experience, professional qualifications and a pathway to higher-level study, while also supporting the environmental priorities that are so important for our communities.”
The Level 2 Arborist Apprenticeship will provide an entry point into the sector, focusing on the care and management of trees in both urban and rural settings.
Learners will gain essential skills in chainsaw work, aerial tree operations, pruning and tree health management.
The programme is designed to support employment opportunities with local authorities, commercial tree surgery firms and land management organisations.
The Level 3 Forest Craftsperson Apprenticeship will train learners in the practical operations required to establish, maintain and harvest forests and woodlands.
Apprentices will specialise in either establishment and maintenance, or harvesting, developing advanced expertise in areas such as planting, weeding, pruning and timber extraction.
This pathway prepares learners for roles including forest craftsperson, contractor and woodland manager, while also offering progression routes to higher-level qualifications.
The launch of the new programmes represents a strategic investment in the future of the region’s green economy.
By delivering training locally, we aim to retain skills within Lincolnshire and neighbouring counties, contribute to rural employment and strengthen the long-term sustainability of the tree care and forestry sectors.
In addition to working closely with regional employers, the college is also keen to hear from organisations across the country.
While our immediate priority is to address skills shortages in Lincolnshire and the East Midlands, Riseholme recognises that the need for trained arborists and forestry professionals is national.
With potential options for distance or residential learning in the future, we are eager to start a wider conversation with employers to explore how these programmes could support workforce development at a broader scale.
