To old?

[TomoJack]

Hi there guys. Im currently 28 and looking into moving careers into becoming an arborist. I was planning on doing a 4 week training course at Kingswood early next year. In the mean time I was looking to do a theory for a level 2 course.

 

having spoken to the tutor of the course, he was asking what I wanted to get out of it and said I was to old to become a climber. And by the time I'm 30 no one will employ me as I would be to old. My question is does this seem right as I don't want to waste £3000 on a course.

 

Thanks 

[Mick Dempsey]

No he's wrong, you will probably be unlikely to be hired straight out as a lead climber, but initially as a groundsman, second climber. From there you can spend a period of time watching, doing the easier stuff, working your way along.

[TomoJack]

Thanks that is  some better news.

 

I will be 29 by the time I complete Cs30 cs31 cs38 cs39 cs40 woodchipper and stumpgrinding tickets. 

 

 I knew I  would have to still work from the ground up to learn. But I would eventually like to be a climber. 

 

It threw me off guard abit when he said it as I didn't think it was too young at all.

 

 

[Rough Hewn]

I'm 41 looking to do climbing next couple of years.
It's the experience employers look for.
Mature workers normally turn up to work on time, sober, and are enthusiastic to work and learn.

[TomoJack]

Yeh that's what I thought as long as your willing and able and do a good job age shouldn't matter. Especially 28!

 

I'll push on and do the course. Just was a little disheartened to hear it.

[Steve Bullman]

Seems an odd thing for a tutor to say.  Maybe if you had been pushing 40, but 28 is a younger age still 

[beechwood]

I can't say I agree with that statement, although you will hear it said by a lot of people within the industry that 'climbing is a young mans game' (general by those who did once climb but now no longer do).

Tree climbing and tree surgery used to be a lot about physical grunt, dragging your self up trees and carrying large loads to the chipper by hand but now if you embrace new techniques and equipment you can work smart without screwing your body and therefore there is no reason why you shouldn't be able to keep working on site till you retire.

So there is no reason that being over 30 would mean no one would want to employ you, one of my best climbers is well over 40.

That said tree climbers are normal light weight and as fit as a fiddle but even if you not right now, with the right attitude and perseverance you soon will be.

Sounds like sour grapes from someone who couldn't make it in the industry to me (very judgmental of me) or maybe they were just having a bad day.

I'd be a little worried about spending £3000 with someone who is already talking down your ambitions before you have even started the course.
Surely if they are a good instructor, they should be confident that they will set you on the path to becoming a decent arborist.

It's surprising because I've heard nothing but good things about Kingswood.

I'd advise you to talk to them again, ask them why they said that?
Perhaps you should look at other training providers.
Maybe someone like Tony Derbyshire, who like me is a little north of 30 and might be more suited to help start you on your new career path.

Just my thoughts and opinions.
I wish you the best of luck.
Regards Neil

[Marula]

28 is fine, make sure you look after your back, this is advise I never took seriously but in this game it is the one career "ender" quite often.
Also, don't let bosses rag the sheet out of you, they'll use you and toss you aside the moment your elbows or back go. Merrist wood is an excellent college if you're looking for one.

[Steve Bullman]

It's when I stop that my back generally plays up!

[Rich Rule]

Just out of interest how old was the lecturer?

 

Some people can cut it, others can not.  I would say it depends on how physical your life has been so far.