Ground Workers assist aerial arborists, having clear communication to make work at height safer – they will pass up equipment to their colleagues and help with the lowering of cut branch material, breaking them down for chipping or stacking.
On busy sites, there may be one member of the ground team for every Climber. They will watch the work taking place and need to anticipate what equipment will be needed, ready to pass the tools up when required. Ground Workers will also make sure ropes are free from knots and tangles in safe positions ready for colleagues to come down from the tree.
To work professionally in the Forestry and Arboriculture industry, you need to achieve training and qualifications in order to meet the knowledge, skills and competence required to operate in the industry. The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) have set out requirements on the level of training and assessment for the UK, whereas the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has overall responsibility for the administration and enforcement of health and safety at work in Ireland.
Also known as: Groundie
You'll need:
great communication skills, and able to respond to directions from others
to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
physical skills such as mobility and co-ordination
patience and the ability to stay calm under pressure
to be flexible and open to change
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
to work with and without direct supervision
a good general knowledge of regulations applicable to tree work, including Health & Safety requirements
Overalls, gloves and safety boots, and use protective equipment (PPE) such as ear protectors and hard hats will be used when required.
It is likely that the job will involve working at different sites, so a full driving licence would be useful. Some jobs may involve travel and staying away from home from time to time.
Around 40 hours per week – regular patterns will be Monday to Friday, with shifts around 8 hours, but with some flexibility needed. Start times are often early before the sun is at full height.
Assist aerial workers and other ground crew members in all aspects of tree care and removal
Keep the job site tidy, safe and organised
Plan the job with the climber before the work starts and be aware of the tasks involved
Maintain effective communication with climbers at all times
Watch the aerial workers, anticipate their needs, passing up tools and other equipment when required
Keep climbing and work ropes on the ground free of knots, kinks, tangles, branch wood and clear of machinery. Keep ropes in safe positions, e.g. away from obstructions, vehicles, equipment and the public
Ensure the precautions taken to exclude the public and traffic from the work area while work is in progress
Keep tools and equipment which are not in use away from the immediate work area
You could work in a park, woodland or forest in all weathers. The role is important to the overall health and safety of work being carried out, so there can be a lot of pressure put onto Ground Workers.
Training is an essential part of any job, giving you the skills and knowledge you need to do your job safely and correctly. It also helps to strengthen your current skill set and prepares you for the next stage in your career.
Apprenticeships help you build the experience and skills that employers want to see. No matter what stage you’re at, they’ll help set you up for a bright future. There are lots of ways to get involved.
You could progress to a Forest Worker or Utility Arborist.
You could also become a Forest Ranger, working Conservation Officers to look after wildlife in an area.
Ground Worker (Arboriculture) will usually work in one of the following industries. Click below to find out more about possible career paths.
Trees don’t only bring pleasure to millions of us – they provide a broad range of career options to help manage habitats and fight climate change.
Woodlands and forests enhance and support our lives. Trees absorb and store carbon dioxide, provide wood, moderate climate, help regulate our supply of fresh water, prevent erosion and flooding, provide a wide range of habitats for people and wildlife, and bring huge pleasure and wellbeing to millions.
Forestry and timber also play a major role in developing a low carbon economy: planting new trees offsets emissions and helps lock-up carbon in construction. Each nation has their own tree-planting strategy and target to help achieve their net zero goals.
Careers tend to split into two main areas. Forestry is the science and practice of planting, managing and harvesting forests for wood and timber, while arboriculture involves cultivating and managing trees in urban environments, like parks, community spaces and private properties. While there’s some overlap in skills, foresters tend to manage forests and timber on a larger scale while arborists look after trees in smaller green spaces. Both options offer diverse, challenging career opportunities.
The area of woodland in the United Kingdom is estimated to be 3.2 million hectares
The UK has a tree-planting target of 30,000 hectares a year by 2024 – the equivalent of at least 90 million trees
69% of the UK population visited woodland in 2021
In the Republic of Ireland, the area of forest is estimated to be 770,020 ha or 11% of the total land area of Ireland - over 50% of this is in public ownership, mainly through Coillte
These courses are perfect if you are starting out on your career but they are also great for people already in jobs who want to improve their skills.
To find out more about qualification levels in England please visit Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) for England and Northern Ireland or Framework for Higher Education Qualifications for England, Wales and Northern Ireland (FHEQ) .
To find out more about qualification levels in Northern Ireland please visit Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) for England and Northern Ireland or Framework for Higher Education Qualifications for England, Wales and Northern Ireland (FHEQ).
To find out more about qualification levels in the Republic of Ireland, please visit National Framework of Qualifications for Ireland (NFQIE)
To find out more about qualification levels in Scotland please visit Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF).
To find out more about qualification levels in Wales please visit Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales (CQFW) or Framework for Higher Education Qualifications for England, Wales and Northern Ireland (FHEQ).
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These courses are perfect if you are starting out on your career but they are also great for people already in jobs who want to improve their skills.
Whether you’re just starting out in the workplace, want to upskill or are considering changing direction, Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to build your career. Apprenticeships combine work with on-the-job training, so if you want to earn as you learn, there’s an apprenticeship out there for you – you can even start an apprenticeship if you already have a degree.
Work, earn and learn – no matter where you are in your career, an apprenticeship can set you up for a bright future.
Let’s get started!
Want to take on an apprentice? Employers start here.
An apprenticeship is a unique blend of work experience and study to help build the skills and knowledge you need for your career. Apprentices are employees – they have a contract, are paid and get the same benefits as everyone else. But the difference between an apprenticeship and a normal job is that apprentices are regularly released from work for training. Sometimes that’s a day a week, sometimes it’s for a longer block – it all depends on the job and the apprenticeship.
Apprentices work for all kinds of people at all kinds of stages in their lives. Most apprentices fall into one of three categories:
Previously restricted to school leavers and young people, apprenticeships are now a dynamic way of retraining people of all ages - there’s no upper age limit. The minimum age to become an apprentice is 16 and candidates can’t be in full-time education.
Apprenticeships offer a unique combination of paid work and study. They’re an exciting option for anyone who wants to gain experience, upskill or change career while working.
They offer a chance to work, learn and earn:
Interested in becoming an apprentice? Search for current opportunities and apply here.
Find your apprenticeship
You can also check vacancies on employer websites or get in touch with your local careers service.
What’s it like to work, earn and learn? Find out what apprentice life is really like.
Explore apprenticeship stories
Arboricultural Association
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The Institute of Chartered Foresters
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Confederation of Forest Industries (Confor)
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Royal Forestry Society
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Woodland Trust
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Forestry and Land Scotland
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Scottish Forestry
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Forestry England
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Forestry Commission
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Natural Resources Wales
Find out more
Thinking about your finances is important when you're looking at courses and training - different types of funding support is available depending on what type of course you're interested in and where you are located. We recommend you contact the training provider for more information on course costs and financing, but here are some links to connect you to support available:
Skills Hub Scotland is an online skill sharing marketplace creating new opportunities to learn and share skills. Wherever you are located - if you have a skill to share, or a skill to learn, Skills Hub Scotland can help.
Initially founded as a response to the Scottish Government’s CivTech 5 programme in 2020 and aiming to offer a platform for those in rural or remote locations, Skills Hub Scotland has been developed into an important sectoral resource. If you have a skill to share with others or are a training provider, list your workshop or course (all skills from all sectors are welcome). If you are a learner, use Skills Hub Scotland to search for and book a course!
STEM is an approach to learning and development that incorporates the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Learning in STEM connects to Education for Sustainable Development/Learning for Sustainability and the Sustainable Development Goals – this helps learners to understand that STEM plays a vital role in finding solutions to real world issues or challenges such as protecting biodiversity and tackling climate change. There are multiple pathways into a land-based STEM career including apprenticeships, further and higher education. This means that a career in STEM is open to everyone!
STEM Learning is the largest provider of STEM education and careers support in the UK. Their STEM Ambassadors programme sees volunteers representing a vast range of STEM-related jobs work with young people to bring STEM subjects alive through real life experiences. They help to open the doors to a world of opportunities and possibilities which come from pursuing STEM subjects and careers. To become a STEM Ambassador, you can register via the STEM Learning website: https://www.stem.org.uk/stem-ambassadors/join-stem-ambassador-programme
Lantra have worked in collaboration with STEM Ambassadors in Scotland to create two specific UK-wide Ambassadors schemes - Forestry and Aquaculture. Through these schemes, we want to make sure that those working in forestry and aquaculture have the support materials they need to take part in STEM activities. To find out more and register for the schemes, please follow the links below:
Smart Futures helps young people in Ireland discover the STEM subjects and careers that might be right for them. Co-ordinated and managed by Science Foundation Ireland, their programme allows young people to connect with people that are working in STEM, the organisations they’re working in and what their interests and skills are.
Why not take a look at the Industries Explorer as an introduction to the different areas you could work in.
If we can support you with any specific information, please click the button below to get in touch.
