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Thanks guys, I am more than aware that my questions have probably been a bit of a repetitive thing, and I know that people in the trade won't necessarily like the idea of another Ex Mil guy joining the ranks. I really do appreciate the points of view and the insight they give.

Thanks very much for the opinions and information. I am considering my options carefully. I do very much like the lifestyle this job gives, I like to be outdoors, I like the culture it seems to create. What worries me greatly is the availability of work.

Treequip, Thanks for the honest assessment.

Thank you very much, its nice to hear someone who is positive, it is a rare thing it seems lately, regardless of the subject. I am certainly happy to graft and put the time in, I am unfortunately somewhat of a perfectionist so I like to see a job done properly. I am contemplating my options at the min and I very much appreciate your encouragement.

Thanks Martwizz, I am 30 and I am certainly no stranger to working out in the elements or at height as I am a climbing instructor. However, I do take your point on the age thing and it is a consideration. I take your points on the rougher elements of the job, I am looking around and seeing what I think is a viable option. Options for military personnel coming out are varied, the link below gives an idea, however, its not exhaustive. You can apply for pretty much anything within reason. Depending on length of service depends on what your entitled to. I get approximately £4500 combined for resettlement training etc. http://https://www.ctp.org.uk/resettlement-courses/searchresults

Hi all, This is my first post here, having joined today. I am pretty much on the scrounge for advice and opinions, although I will certainly endeavour to add to general conversation to. I am currently Serving in the Armed Forces and due to leave in the near future, I am looking into resettlement courses and like the idea of Arboriculture as a future career, hopefully a small business of my own. I have limited experience of the field, I have as a younger man worked in soft and hard landscaping, this included some tree work but was very limited, and I don't believe it complied with all the relevant requirements of today. So I have identified a training provider who offer the following courses, the MOD will pay for all but a couple of hundred pounds of. It's nearly £3000 worth of courses and I am more than happy to use some of the govts money on something for me for a change. What I would be interested in knowing is: How useful are the below course? Do these courses equip you sufficiently? Would an employer consider these sufficient? Is the trade saturated with qualified people? Is work reasonably easy to come by? As a newbie I would welcome option and debate on the subject of someone entering this trade at present. So please feel free to fire away. Level 2 Award in Chainsaw Maintenance, Crosscutting, Fell & Process Trees Up to 380mm • Level 2 Award in Access a Tree Using a Rope & Harness • Level 3 Award in Aerial Tree Rescue Operations • Level 3 Award in Aerial Cutting of Trees With a Chainsaw Using Free Fall Techniques • Level 3 Award in Preparing & Agreeing Emergency Treework Operations • Level 3 Award in Emergency Tree Work Operations • Level 3 Award in Enterprise & Entrepreneurship The courses are delivered by a provider on this forum, I by no means wish to question their courses, I am simply researching for ideas. Thanks