Newby looking for advice

[AWH]

Hi everyone,

 

I’m looking to get started in the tree surgery/arborist industry. My background is in rope access  (3yrs & 1500+hrs) & mountain guiding (6 years). I still plan to guide when work allows but I feel I’ve stalled in the rope access industry and am looking for a change. 
What chainsaw qualification is best to go and get? Can I work as a groundsman without a chainsaw ticket? Also, is a trailer ticket necessary? I’m just wondering if its best to have these before trying to get a start or are employers willing to put you through these? 
 

I’m based in Fort William in the highlands, happy to travel for work and stay away if necessary. 
 

Thanks for all your help ?

[IronMike]

Greetings!

 

When I started out, I had no qualifications/tickets at all. I dragged brash and fed the chipper etc and learned on the job. It’s a good way to get experience as you get to see everything that’s happening. With regards to getting your chainsaw ticket, it’s a bit like getting your driving license. Once you get it, you then learn how to do things properly!

 

Getting you cross cutting and maintenance ticket and felling trees below 380mm would be more than adequate for the majority of groundie work. It’s all I had for years, and I got by fine. Trailer ticket is also very appealing to prospective employers. Having someone who can tow is very useful indeed, as sometimes you have to take several vehicles towing a variety of things (chipper, digger, grinder, Avant etc) so having it would be a big plus.

 

the name of the game I found was to become invaluable to your work colleagues. Being able to think ahead as to what might need doing (fueling saws, warming chipper up, getting rigging gear sorted etc) and also making sure everything gets done, so not shirking responsibility like raking up etc. Turn up on time, with your bait bag packed, your mobile in the van or your pocket until break times, along with your smokes if you’re that way inclined, all your gear and a smile and you’ll go far!

[Stephen Blair]

Contact Dan at Apex Tree Surgeons in Drumbadrochit, he’s always busy and looking for extra guys of all skill levels.

[jfc]

I met Liam from 'tree works oban' on a course, was a sound guy and might well be happy for you to drag brash and feed a chipper to see if you like the job.

[jmac]

Always jobs going at sse (hydro) in fort and oban, they take on guys with no tickets and train them up. Have you been working for geo rope?