New to Arbtalk and looking for pointers!!!

[JHamment]

Hi guys,

 

As you may have guessed I am new to Arbtalk so go easy on me... I have recently got into the Arb world after a major change of career direction. After university I started an office job but after a year I knew that I really wanted to work in a job that I enjoyed and found challenging. I am now 4 weeks away from completing a level 3 qualification in Arb and Forestry and gaining my cs30, cs31, cs38 and cs39 (or whatever they are calling them now).

 

I realise that having tickets means precious little without experience, but I am now trying to look for work once I finish. I am not fussy, just want to get stuck in and gain some invaluable experience. I am based in Norfolk but would look at a short term opportunity anywhere. I also realise that full time jobs will be like gold dust so sub contracting would be just as appealing to me.

 

I don't now if it is the 'done thing' to look for work on the forum, I guess I just thought firing the question into a group of industry professionals couldn't hurt. If anyone has any recommendations or knows of any opportunities in my area (or anywhere else), I would greatly appreciate any pointers.

 

Thanks in advance,

 

James

[Paul Jenks]

Hi James. Well done for choosing a career in this industry. I hope your fit, strong and healthy. You need to be in tree work. You also need a lot of resilience both physically and mentally. It is the most physically demanding job you can do and on top it ranks amongst the most hazardous. The romance of strutting your stuff in front of an awestruck roadside audience soon wears off when you're dragging blackthorn out of a council house back garden covered in rubbish and dog poo late Monday afternoon in the pouring rain, with a git of a climber who keeps lobbing off large pieces on top of one another and a chipper that won't work properly. Or is that just my thinking?

On the up side, for the four weeks a year, (2 in the spring and 2 in the autumn), when the temperature and weather conspire to make tree work a joy, if you have a group of team members that all get on and work for each other, in my opinion, there is no industry I'd rather be in.

You may well have to put up with pretty low wages for the first couple of years. Keep your eyes and ears open and graft like a cart horse to earn the respect of those around you. Eat well and look after yourself, trying not to break bits, (fences, machinery or yourself). If you've been to uni, I guess you have a couple of brain cells to rub together. If you have a bit of aptitude and some charisma to boot you'll get on.

We take on team members based on their whole as opposed to their qualifications.

[Rodeodog]

Arb jobs website. Might have something on there??

[Stubby]

One pointer I would suggest if you are going to use Arbtalk in the future would be to take a course in " mendipees " so that you can understand Jons posts ! ( mendiplogs )

[JHamment]

Thanks Paul,

 

I know its going to be a physical old slog, in fact that is half of the attraction. Nothing worries me more than sitting infront of a computer everyday coming home a little bit fatter!

Hopefully I can find a team that is able to take on a newbie that is willing to work hard and get stuck in. I am going to send out a few letters to local firms and see how I get on there. i will also look on arbjobs so thanks for that rodeodog.

 

Any other info will be gratefully received,

 

James

[martwizz]

The romance of strutting your stuff in front of an awestruck roadside audience soon wears off when you're dragging blackthorn out of a council house back garden covered in rubbish and dog poo late Monday afternoon in the pouring rain, with a git of a climber who keeps lobbing off large pieces on top of one another and a chipper that won't work properly.

 

 

I think that's the most accurate description of the job I've ever read!