How do you start a career in tree surgery?

[Tim Williams]

In the time I've been in this job, I've seen many become disillusioned with it. The companies flog them to the point the job has lost its interest. This is why they burn out, the very soul is burnt away. The eternal quest to make more and more money overrides the welfare of the crews. A few stronger characters remain, and hang around to impart the skills and knowledge that have been learned over the years. There is always a future in this vocation, for those who choose it, a future educating, guiding and nurturing the next generation. As has been posted before, the NPTCs only give a basic grounding, the passed down experience can be priceless. I have had various jobs in my life, none of which have given me the satisfaction that this one does, even on wet days!! What would I do instead? I have no idea.

how right you are especially in the utility sector, i've spent too long working my butt off clearing dodgy sites next to powerlines (some should've been shutdown) and for what. alright get decent money but no sick pay even for work related injury such as black thorn infections occuring through gloves, one lad spent 2 weeks in hospital on a drip for septaceamia caused by blackthorn and the boss didn't even call to see how he was etc. am handing notice in soon to start a job as an arb surveyor i love climbing but don't fancy climbing until i'm 50 + so I have to look at my future and move on up, luckily the company i'm moving to are going to let me carry on climbing on possesions etc for overtime and to keep my hand in.