Breaking into the trade at 26 - no prior experience?

[SussexHarry]

Hi everyone,

 

I’m in Sussex, and almost 26 years old. I currently make about £25k a year but I don’t enjoy it that much. I’d like to get into arboriculture/tree surgery, however I have no prior experience. That said I’m physically fit and healthy, have a good work ethic, and am quick to learn.

 

I'm an ex squaddie and not afraid of hard work. My new job is quite full on, but I’m not getting what I was hoping out of it and I’d rather be outdoors more learning a new skill.

Lots of what I read online says that the best way into this job is an apprenticeship, however I don’t think I could feasibly take a pay-cut of that much at this age.

 

I’m willing to pay for any and all courses, but finding the time to do them around current work is tricky. I’ve been researching them and, despite the distinct lack of colleges near me, I could probably get a place on some chainsaw and rescue courses around June - work-leave dependant.

 

Is anyone here able to offer some advice for someone my age looking to swap professions and get into it?

Thanks

[topchippyles]

There has been a few guys who have moved into this career after leaving the force's I suppose its the same type of hard work ethics that appeal. Good luck the tree guys will be along shortly with a bucket load of advice some good some not so good digest it all sure you will find the help you are looking for.

 

 

[Mick Dempsey]

Merristt wood isn’t far from Sussex, do a block course there.

[lux]

1 hour ago, SussexHarry said:

Hi everyone,

 

I’m in Sussex, and almost 26 years old. I currently make about £25k a year but I don’t enjoy it that much. I’d like to get into arboriculture/tree surgery, however I have no prior experience. That said I’m physically fit and healthy, have a good work ethic, and am quick to learn.

 

I'm an ex squaddie and not afraid of hard work. My new job is quite full on, but I’m not getting what I was hoping out of it and I’d rather be outdoors more learning a new skill.

Lots of what I read online says that the best way into this job is an apprenticeship, however I don’t think I could feasibly take a pay-cut of that much at this age.

 

I’m willing to pay for any and all courses, but finding the time to do them around current work is tricky. I’ve been researching them and, despite the distinct lack of colleges near me, I could probably get a place on some chainsaw and rescue courses around June - work-leave dependant.

 

Is anyone here able to offer some advice for someone my age looking to swap professions and get into it?

Thanks

Where in Sussex are you ? 

[Mick Dempsey]

Hang on…’sussexharry’?
Is he planning to give Megan the swerve and start a new life?

 

[SussexHarry]

9 minutes ago, lux said:

Where in Sussex are you ? 

West Sussex, near Horsham

[SussexHarry]

Just now, Mick Dempsey said:

Hang on…’sussexharry’?
Is he planning to give Megan the swerve and start a new life?

 

😂😂 crying in the papers doesn’t pay that well these days 

[Mick Dempsey]

My old stomping ground (well Rudgwick)

Easy trip to Merrist Wood then, up the A281 to Guildford. 

Edited February 27, 2023 by Mick Dempsey

[openspaceman]

4 minutes ago, Mick Dempsey said:

My old stomping ground.

Easy trip to Merrist Wood then.

Doesn't Brinsbury do stuff anymore?

[Mick Dempsey]

1 minute ago, openspaceman said:

Doesn't Brinsbury do stuff anymore?

Maybees, not in ‘95 though, Merrist Wood did 10 week, prolly still do.

Come out of that fully qualified with just enough experience to ruin somebody’s public liability insurance record.