Career change

[arbsnips78]

Hi all,

 

Would appreciate some straight talking from you; feel free to "tell me how it is." Basically, I'm looking to move out of my IT job and into Arb work. I'm not a spring chicken any more being in my late 20's, but still fit and enjoy physical work more than being sedentary. Anyway, I was wondering what challenges I might face if I try to approach some local Arb businesses, and also what the best route in for me might be? I'm based in South Yorks and have looked at who's local from the Arb Association website so have a few numbers I could call, but not sure the best way to approach. Plus, it's not like my CV/previous employment correlates with Arb work in general so might have a few confused looks my way.

 

I am aware of all the tickets that are required to be an Arborist, but my attitude is to not run before I can walk so-to-speak so looking for some groundie work to get a feel for the industry first.

 

Staying in IT is going to be something for me to fall back on if my endeavours don't pan out. Best way I can explain it is that my interests have changed as I've gotten older and want to try Arb work.

 

Thanks, QF.

Edited February 15, 2016 by qwertyface

[born2trot]

Why not book your basic chainsaw course cs30 , 31 and get started with some tickets ? I know alot of people say go brash dragging to start which is fair play but don't get too roped up about this , if your cutting trees you'll inevitably do it anyway .

[born2trot]

Meant to add , the spraying/pesticide tickets pa1 and pa6 are an excellent way to get in with the big de-veg firms . It will get you more importantly acquainted with the tree gang boys . Get talking , show your enthusiasm and hey presto !!

[arbsnips78]

Thanks for your replies. Yeah, I could book in for the CS30/31 - I've got the money to! I found a training provider in Staffordshire which isn't too difficult for me to get to, called ianmorgarb.co.uk . Do you have experience with these guys by any chance? Seems a lot cheaper than Myerscough College up in Preston, but not sure if the old "you get what you pay for" adage applies. That said, Myerscough course is 5 days whereas it's 6 in total at ianmorgarb.co.uk. For the PA1/PA6 though I doubt I can afford to do CS30/31 and PA1/6 together at the moment though.

[daltontrees]

I chucked a desk job and took up tree work in my 40s, best thing I ever did. Lost 1 12/ stone, was fitter than when I was 25, and I don't remember ever thinking I wish I hadn't done that. I love being up a tree at 8.30 and watching all the suckers commuting to some battery-hen office while I get ready to be paid for climbing trees, having crack with the guys, messing about with machinery, getting loads of fresh air, loads of exercise and being engaged with nature.

 

Downside is it beats the hell out of you on the wrong side of 50, but plan C (consultancy) is pannig out beautifully.

[treequip]

Thanks for your replies. Yeah, I could book in for the CS30/31 - I've got the money to! I found a training provider in Staffordshire which isn't too difficult for me to get to, called ianmorgarb.co.uk . Do you have experience with these guys by any chance? Seems a lot cheaper than Myerscough College up in Preston, but not sure if the old "you get what you pay for" adage applies. That said, Myerscough course is 5 days whereas it's 6 in total at ianmorgarb.co.uk. For the PA1/PA6 though I doubt I can afford to do CS30/31 and PA1/6 together at the moment though.

 

I know Ian and he would be my first choice and reccomend

[diervek]

I'm just undergoing the move from a warehouse at 34.

Took my 30/31 and recently my 38.

Managed to get a few days experience here and there with a local guy, but sending out some emails to other local arbs to get more days hands on.

From what I've done so far, I've not regretted a penny spent on training.

 

Chuck yourself in, it's great.

[arbsnips78]

I chucked a desk job and took up tree work in my 40s, best thing I ever did. Lost 1 12/ stone, was fitter than when I was 25, and I don't remember ever thinking I wish I hadn't done that. I love being up a tree at 8.30 and watching all the suckers commuting to some battery-hen office while I get ready to be paid for climbing trees, having crack with the guys, messing about with machinery, getting loads of fresh air, loads of exercise and being engaged with nature.

 

Downside is it beats the hell out of you on the wrong side of 50, but plan C (consultancy) is pannig out beautifully.

 

I'm glad you said this because I feel it in my gut that leaving IT, the office, and red tape nonsense all behind is the right thing for me to do. Nature and the environment has always interested me, even mucking pigs out and driving diggers (another story!)...

Edited February 15, 2016 by qwertyface

[arbsnips78]

I'm just undergoing the move from a warehouse at 34.

Took my 30/31 and recently my 38.

Managed to get a few days experience here and there with a local guy, but sending out some emails to other local arbs to get more days hands on.

From what I've done so far, I've not regretted a penny spent on training.

 

Chuck yourself in, it's great.

 

Brilliant. Thanks, man. BTW - what's been your experience when approaching local arbs?

[arbsnips78]

Also - does anybody know if it would be beneficial to go straight for the CSCS ROLO in addition to the CS30/31?