Chinster

Yes. I'm really keen. Haha! I have been taking the patient and determined approach. I know it will all really pay off in the end. I can definitely feel the tide turning. Some good feedback from firms and employers these past couple of weeks. It is really hard when you are newly qualified with entry level tickets. Understandably, most people are looking for experience as they do not have time to stop work to give lengthy instruction tutorials etc. Time is money etc. However, most firms need an extra pair of hands for more basic duties on bigger jobs. That is where I am aiming at the moment. The experience and confidence will come from spending lots of time on different jobs with seasoned professionals. I know that there are people out there that may take advantage. I'll be very careful. The good thing about being a member on Arbtalk is that it gives you a certain amount of protection as dodgy firms and individuals can be reported on here. Wood chipper course here I come....

There is some great advice in this thread. All good reading for someone older in a career change like me. I am currently recently qualified to CS30/CS31 level. Things seem to be heading in the right direction. I have just done quite a lot of limb removal and cross cutting (Silver Birch and Ash) for a local firm. More to come. I have another couple of people that are going to take me out soon. One voluntary/trial and one paid. Persistence and belief in yourself are really important. I was thinking of booking the CS38 course next, but it certainly does make more sense to get the chipper first. Thanks stihlmadasever. I will add that I am based in Shropshire and will gladly come out for a day or two of cutting, tidying, refueling, sharpening, labouring etc. with anyone within a 50 mile radius for a bit of help with fuel expenses in exchange for some more experience. I have my own MS 261 and PPE.

Thank you for the update Silky Fox.

That looks like the LISS/CSCS blue "Skilled Operative" card that I have been reading about. You can only get them by taking the ROLO test. How much did your ROLO test cost Silky Fox?

Some very inspiring words being spoken in this thread. Well said Fozzie. Very encouraging.

Hello Everyone, The issue of CSCS and ROLO etc is pretty confusing. I took the CITB general "Health, Safety and Environment" computer test a couple of days ago. I passed. I am not really sure what to do next. I know that the official route is to now take the ROLO test to get the blue "Skilled Operative" card, but it seems like a very expensive test/card! I can see that some of you have been using the standard Green "operative" CSCS card. Are most sites still OK with this card? Even for climbers etc? I am newly qualified up to CS30/31. Would this mean that I would officially have to apply for the Blue card? Any advice will be gratefully received. Mitch

Hello Everyone. I just found this thread and the words are very encouraging. I am a fit and hard working 47 year old on a mission. I definitely still feel young enough. I made a career change 6 years ago. I have since been working in landscaping/grounds maintenance with a determined focus on gradually moving into a full time career in Forestry/Arboriculture. I am forging ahead and finding my way and I have never been happier. The last 2-3 years have been more "tree" based. I have completed two Winter/Spring seasons working in the forestry sector for a local tree nursery. Most work undertaken was on large private estates. This has given me a great deal of relevant experience. I am also a voluntary woodland management team member for The Small Woods Association: Small Woods | Bringing woodlands to life I also had a meeting recently with the Head Ranger at a local National Trust property with a view to helping out with their forestry and arb duties. Volunteering if you have the time is definitely a great way to gain experience. I am now at that stage of making the next important moves forward. I have recently gained my all important NPTC CS30/31 tickets with plans to gain more qualifications in the future. This is a very difficult stage to be at as I have very little experience within the commercial tree surgery industry. With this in mind, I am now looking to gain work experience with industry professionals in order to make a few more steps in the right direction. I will get there in the end. Cashflow is the main obstacle. If anyone would like some help with basic ground based duties in exchange for some practical guidance and experience I would be very happy to receive a PM from you. I hold a clean pre 1997 driving license. I have my own PPE and MS261 saw. I am based in South Shropshire. Thank you. Mitch

Hello everyone, I am based in South Shropshire. I am newly qualified up to NPTC - 201/202/203 (CS 30/31). I am very eager to gain further ground work experience with tree care/surgery and forestry professionals. I am a safety conscious and hard working person with a very amiable personality. I have my own Stihl MS 261C, good quality PPE and I always have my Silky nearby! I am looking into taking the Rope and Harness/Aerial rescue course in the imminent future. Very brief history: After many years working in Landscaping and grounds maintenance I made a choice a couple of years ago to move more specifically towards working in Arboriculture. I have since worked for a Tree Nursery for the past 2 winter/spring seasons. It proved to be one of the best moves I have ever made. Main duties included: Tree planting (reforestation and afforestation), pruning/maintenance, felling and also some fencing work as well. I am currently a Woodland Management volunteer (where time permits) for The Small Woods Association (Small Woods | Bringing woodlands to life). I am available immediately. Please do not hesitate to send me a PM for more information. References available upon request. Thank you. Mitch

Hello everyone. I am grateful for being able to read and digest the wise words from many of the members within this group. A very brief personal history: I am currently coming from a few years in grounds maintenance that has involved quite a lot of tree planting/care and also a lot of "unofficial" chainsaw work! I also co-own a place with an acre and a half of land that has required a lot of tree felling and maintenance over the years. Officially, I have done all sorts of things over the years, but I keep coming back to my love of trees and woodland. This has led me to doing a couple of seasons with a very reputable tree nursery where I was carrying out afforestation and reforestation projects as well as lots of assisting with clearing and felling. I am also involved in a local woodland management project which is thoroughly enjoyable as well as being very educational. Working with trees is good for the soul and not just about money as I am sure a lot of you would agree. However, we all need money to progress and survive so I am currently putting extra cash away to raise enough to get my first three tickets in order to move forward properly. Once I get those I can progress towards larger trees and harness work etc. So yes, I am coming into this group as a (perhaps slightly older?) newbie, but a person who loves this environment as much as everyone here. Age is unimportant if you have the right attitude and enthusiasm anyway. I am not going to be satisfied until I climb my first tree (officially that is ).