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Hello, Slightly different for me as I'm still a novice climber, I started out four months back as a subbie working for five different firms. I got most of my bookings through one company and he took me on full time recently. Whilst self employed was nice and I earned a bit more on day rate, it does have its draw backs: You are self employed for a reason - no kit, sick pay or holiday pay. The worst bit is they can drop you at a moments notice! Winter time everyone dips in work load, knowing that over Christmas my bank balance is guaranteed is great peace of mind. I also spent £1300 on climbing kit, ppe and a Stihl saw. Then another £300 annually for my public liability (always have your own insurance, its not worth the risk, hoping your on your someone else's!) If I'm honest being your own boss is great, the extra day rate is great. But the drawbacks out weigh the those two factors for me. I have to also admit I am really lucky, I work for a great company and I get the time invested in me to become a stronger climber. Go with your gut instinct, just be careful. Also finance is a bastard for self employed subbies. Loans, credit cards and mortages all want 3 years accounts showing strong profit = ball ache! PS. As a subbie, they don't really care about your climbing improving etc, they want the job done quickly to make profit and to pay you. So if you want to develop your climbing = a higher day rate in the future. It will take a lot longer and you become a work mule (not always) instead of a valued team member.

Hello Lumberwolf. I am semi new to the industry, working as a groundie / climber at the moment; but wanting to get into more forestry cutting in the new future. I currently have a Stihl 261 c, great saw but looking to buy another one with more power. What do most guys use / what would you recommend for a newish cutter? Also any work going that you know of (sorry to be cheeky, don't ask don't get kinda thing) Cheers John

I am a Trade Contractor available for competitive day rates to assist you on any job. Fully NPTC qualified and fully insured. I have all my own PPE, climbing kit, top handle and ground saw. Willing to travel to any job within BS, SN, GL & NP postcode areas. Groundsman Day Rate - £70.00 Climbing Day Rate - £85.00 I am happy to provide references from previous contracts upon request. Confident Groundsman, with limited climbing experience. Please see below a link to my one page website and contact details. Website - barkingdogtrees.wix.com/page Mobile - 07877 091 887 Office - 01454 822 498 Email - [email protected]

I paid £440 (excl accommodation) for my CS38, that included all kit hire any PPE needed and the assessment & fees. So literally everything for £440. I checked out the accommodation offered (that's pretty swanky to!) But I just commuted from Bristol. Check out roland heming forestry and arboricultural training and assessment

Just wanted to add a little extra to the above review. (hope its helping guys in my position trying to work out who is best to train with, when the choice is so vast!) I did my CS38 Climbing and Aerial Rescue last week with Roland and Martin. Once again the training was fantastic and I now feel very comfortable up a tree, which is what I wanted, not just a tick in a box and a piece of paper! After all; that won't help me when I'm out on a real job. Great training as always, cheers fellas! P.S I'm already booked up for CS39 in June and CS41 July....... need I say more.........

Bit late to this thread. But it is a real shame when young new starters ruin this industry by using it a 'job' not a passion. My background is IT Sales, I have saved and got/getting all my tickets and I couldn't find a trainee role because of idiots giving us new starters a bad wrap. I'm 23 and going self employed straight away, digging for work all time to get myself started out. For me it's not about money or 'filling a gap whilst I find something else', I have left a 4 year career in sales to do what I enjoy doing, not just going through life ticking boxes! Rant over................

You could look at Roland Heming roland heming forestry and arboricultural training and assessment Great courses, well priced and they do accommodation!

Hi All, I am a big believer in doing/getting things from recommendations; whether it is a bit of kit or a training course. So I am keen to pass on my experiences for others. I am new to the industry and I have just completed my CS30 & CS31 with Roland Heming training. It was a fantastic course, with a fantastic instructor (Martin). It made a real difference being trained by someone who still does the job and was able to pass on 'top tips' and expertise. The course was laid back and informative and at the end I felt confident enough to go and fell a whole forest! Speaking of which the course is held in a very nice woodland, with plenty to crosscut and fell! I was assessed by Roland - couldn't be a nicer guy! I felt completely at ease and able to complete the required questions and demonstration without that (eyes burning into the back of your head feeling) I have already booked to return to complete my climbing course and I am currently eyeing up my third. Also if like me, you want to make your cash go as far as possible with kit and training etc, Roland Heming offers great value for money, even if you stay in the accommodation, it can work out cheaper than others! Great course, fantastic instruction, relaxed environment, highly recommended! Hope the above helps anyone looking to get more tickets or like me start out!

Cheers fella's. I will give it some more thought before my climbing course in a weeks. I will report back if I do get one. Great tip about replacing the chain! Will definitely give that a go!

Hi All, About to take my climbing tickets and I'm in no real rush for a saw...... Climbing Kit to get first! Just wondering what your thoughts are on the budget saws now available. Lawnflite / MDT for £169.99 in most dealers now. Quite new to the market apparently!!?? With the cost of a Stihl / Husky £500+ thought maybe I could burn a few of these out for the same (if not less) cost. top-handle petrol chainsaw MTD | eBay Link above of the saw I mean. Cheers

I will fire up the saw in the morning, if I can get away with the flywheel I'll probably sell it as spares or repairs to fund a new saw. Thanks for the info.

Only just getting qualified so just basic felling at the moment, but I will be climbing by the end of next month as well.

Will do thanks for your help.

Cant seem to upload a pic it is two fins opposite each other