Advice please

[BabyfaceJ]

Hey guys this is probably a common question but I'm hoping I can get some direct feedback.

 

Im quite interested in the arboriculture field, specifically tree surgery/ground work.

 

A bit of background, I'm 24, physically fit, I drive and I'm totally inexperienced with outdoor work, aside from doing a few weeks labouring with my dad, but I work nights and long hours so I'm not afraid of hard graft, not afraid of heights either and I'm located in Chesterfield.

 

I've emailed a few companies and tried to ring a few people and so far I've had a little bit of advice, one chap told me to ring around all the local firms and see if I can get taken on as a labourer or do some weekend work and also the name of an environmental councilor who has a list of tree surgeons. The other advice was to investigate into the educational side. I rang Derby college and they do the usuall 4 courses e.g. Cs30/31 but they advised me not to do the courses unless I have secured somewhere to work or else I'll be stuck with tickets and no job. I'm willing to pay for these courses, the first one being £500 if I was guaranteed to be taken on, otherwise that's a great risk and I'm not minted.

 

I really don't know where to start and I really am keen on this career. I'm not confident enough to go self employed so really do need to be part of a team.

 

Anymore tips than what I've already received would be appreciated. Thanks.

[BabyfaceJ]

Hope I'm not that much of a lost cause lol.

.BUMP

[Steve Bullman]

I'd say if you're totally inexperienced with outdoor work you try and get some days in with local companies before you invest in getting training and tickets. You might end up deciding its not for you after your first hard days graft battling the elements

[ChrisPlumpton]

I'd seriously consider doing some volunteering. I did two and a half years of volunteering with a mix of places. National Trust, local wildlife trusts and some private stuff. Every weekend, Saturday and Sunday, as well as working 45-50 hrs a week in my day job. It was invaluable. It gave me a taste of what to expect, what areas of the job I enjoyed the most and it looks good on the CV. And it got me my first job in Arb.

[BabyfaceJ]

Thanks for the advice guys, I'm ringing up one of the councilors in the environmental/landscaping department tomorrow so hopefully they'll let me volunteer. I'm not going to rush into getting any tickets until I know for sure I like the type of work, but I'm quite confident I will. I too work 50 hours every week, but am willing to let my Saturday go for volunteering.