From the Sea to the Trees – Plans for a complete career change

[Dan White]

Hello Arbtalk!

 

I'm working towards a career change to Arboriculture next year and I'd welcome any thoughts and guidance on my plans. You've already been a huge help in my planning and I've read posts by people like Silky Fox and Deeco with envy!

 

As background, I grew up in the Wye Valley and have always had a passion for woodlands. I had a choice of a Farriery apprenticeship or the Navy at 18 and chose adventure, and when we passed out and my mates bought sports cars, I splashed out on a Landrover. I've already completed my CS30&31 at Bicton College in anticipation for resettlement; and I now live under 16 oaks on a couple of acres near Bromyard.

 

I'm now 27 and currently have nine months left until I leave the Navy after eight years. I'm very fortunate in that I've got my own truck, a big bag of rock climbing gear, some savings, and am eligible for a fair whack of resettlement support towards a new profession.

 

I've read the numerous posts debating the pros and cons of training vs experience and I hope I can strike a balance to maximize my employability! To that end I'm planning on getting my trailer licence before Christmas and using my learning credits to help fund the service leavers course at Kingswood Training next spring.

 

Initially I'm going to utilize my leave over Christmas and next year to get as much experience as a groundie as humanly possible (standby for a separate post offering my services for free to anyone and everyone!) and once I've got my tickets I'll start applying for climbing jobs in the South West.

 

Further on, I'd like to look at the consulting & conservation and woodland management sides of the Arb world but here's where I get a bit confused, there seem to be a lot of different diplomas and certificates from various providers. Without sounding like I'm biting off more than I can chew at this early stage, does anyone have any guidance on the likely 'career paths' through the relevant qualifications?

 

Many Thanks in advance!

 

Dan

[easy-lift guy]

Dan, You read like you have given your career change a fair amount of consideration and planning, that's the really important part. Having served in the military you understand how to take orders and to adapt to situation on the fly. Important stuff for sure. My only other advise would be to have in reserve at least 18 months in savings to cover all of your day to day bills. Once your service time is up you will discover how much faster time will fly bye. Thank you for your service.

easy-lift guy

[Dan White]

Thanks Easy Lift Guy! I should be able to manage for a bit, if I'm very frugal!

[easy-lift guy]

Since your still serving, I suspect the phrase Sink or Swim comes to mind!. I believe you will be fine, keep a steady course you have the Arborculture world now to navigate before you.

easy-lift guy

[NFG]

Hi,

 

You seem to have a very positive attitude, the RN does provide you with some great skills which may not be recognised by all.

 

Perhaps create an on-line portfolio of jobs/employers you have been associated with, dosnt have to be too sophisticated, a commercial offering such as Facebook would do.

 

Its always going to be a challenge making a career change, Ive done it from Submariner I/C of manoeuvring room on S class, to IT techie. I agree with EL Guy suggestion to keep a war chest of funds as jobs may be scarce at first as for the questions regarding certifications, Im sure some of the pros will pitch in soon.

 

Good luck & best wishes

 

N

[Dan White]

Thanks NFG,

 

Hopefully I can get some of those skills across to Arb; good admin and looking after my kit comes second nature, although I'm not so sure about astro navigation?!