Apprentice Arborist

Priority Candidates will be considered in the first instance

Wigan Council
Makerfield Way Depot
Makerfield Way
Ince
Wigan
WN2 2PR

2x positions

Salary:
Apprentice Corporate Rate (NLW) £12.21 per hour

37 hours per week

Temporary for 24 months

We're on a journey to build a workforce reflective of our Borough.

We are committed to fostering diverse teams where everybody can bring their authentic selves to work and feel that they belong. If you want to work for a Council where everybody is encouraged to meet their full potential and make a difference in our neighbourhoods, we would love to hear from you!

As an Arborist Apprentice, you will support Parks and Streetscene in the delivery of arboriculture and grounds maintenance tasks. Under supervision, you will assist with essential tree operations such as pruning, controlled felling, and wood chipping, while ensuring the safe use of tools and equipment. You will learn the fundamentals of first aid, traffic management, chainsaw handling, and aerial rescue, including working at height as your training progresses.

You will work alongside an experienced team of arborists to develop practical skills and knowledge, whilst following and maintaining health and safety procedures, at all times.

You will be required to regularly attend college to attain a Level 2 Arboriculture qualification and will gain a range of experience whilst learning from professionals within the organisation.

You must be able to demonstrate the following essential requirements:

• Must have a minimum of 4 GCSEs at Grade E/2 or above including Maths and English or equivalent
• Hold a full, clean driving licence and have access to a suitable vehicle for transporting equipment and machinery
• Ability to work towards and successfully complete the Level 2 Arboriculture apprenticeship qualification within the required apprenticeship timeframe
• The ability to work at height, as your training progresses
• The ability to work accurately and follow instruction
• To be enthusiastic and committed to providing excellent service.
• The ability to use own initiative and work flexibly as part of a team to meet service needs
• Willing to develop a wide range of skills required to work within a busy service
• Good communication skills with the ability to build effective working relationships with colleagues and members of the public

Wigan Council has been voted ‘Overall Council of the Year’ at the APSE (Association for Public Service Excellence) Awards. We are signed up to the Greater Manchester Continuous Service Commitment ensuring that your service will be continuous or 'unbroken' between the supporting organisations.

The Progress with Unity plan is a place movement for change for the next decade, bringing a new era for Wigan Borough. It draws on the strengths of our individual organisations, recognising that together we can achieve much more for our communities by delivering on our 2 place missions; create fair opportunities for all children, families, residents and businesses and make our towns and neighbourhoods flourish for those who live and work in them.

This Arborist Apprentice role offers an opportunity to join a fast-paced service and to support the Council’s vision of Progress with Unity, contributing to Wigan’s reputation as a great place to live, work, and visit. As an Arborist Apprentice, you will play a handson role in caring for and enhancing the local environment, helping to deliver services that are high quality, flexible, and responsive to community needs.

Through practical experience, professional development, and working alongside skilled colleagues, you will help ensure that Wigan’s green spaces remain safe, vibrant, and sustainable for future generations.

Successful applicants will be invited to attend an assessment and engagement day, where you will find out more about the service, apprenticeship, speak to staff and complete a short task. If you are successful at the assessment day you will be invited to attend an interview.

These will be held at:
Makerfield Way Depot, Ince, Wigan on the following dates:

Assessment day:
Thursday 5th February 2026

Interview:
Thursday 12th February 2026

Here at…