Change of Career

[OilMonkey]

Hi all, complete newbie here so apologies for any daft or obvious questions I'm about to ask.

 

I've been mulling over potential options for a career change recently (I currently work offshore in the North Sea). One option I have been considering is Arborist/Tree Surgeon.

 

I have been looking at a few training providers and there are a hell of a lot of courses and qualifications on offer. What would be the starting point to get in to the industry?

 

If it's something I take to then I'd be quite happy to progress myself through the tickets with a view to getting in to the climbing side of things (I've been a keen rock climber and mountaineer for the past 8 years so have a good head for heights and am pretty comfortable with learning rope skills).

 

It would be useful to know what id need off the bat to look attractive to a potential employer. In my case as far as employability goes id look to be freelance and continue working my normal job offshore whilst i build up experience. I'm lucky in that respect as i work 2 weeks away then have 3 weeks at home in which i could freelance. Longer term view would be to pick up more arborist/tree surgeon work and freelance offshore as and when i needed.

 

I live in South Cumbria on the edge of the Lake District, which I imagine is a good place for this type of career.

 

Thanks for any answers.

[Mike Hill]

HGV licence would be a good start.

 

But 7.5 tonner with trailer would also be attractive to an employer.

 

CS30-31 means you can operate a chainsaw .

 

Even with all the courses and tickets in the world your not worth much more than minimum wage when on the tools because the courses don't teach you what to do on the job.

 

[Steven P]

might be worth keeping an eye on the employment section of this forum too - give a small indication on the state of the job market... but of course only a few out of all the jobs are on there