Tom.

Just purchased my copy and started bookmarking all the chapters on my lunch break ? Should make it a bit easier to navigate, from flicking through dead quick it looks like it will be a valuable read.

Had it few a few weeks back when i was 15 i think, still have an odd sensation on the nerve across my back from it. Nasty and uncomfortable, had to stay at a family friends as my mum was having chemotherapy and the risk of compromising her illness and treatment was too high! Horrible times.

Ah thanks Khriss, it was one of my main concerns to be honest. I did manage to prove myself throughout my apprenticeship to those who didn't think i'd cut it, so hopefully would be able to do the same again.

Thanks for the tips Khriss! Luckily only the last 5 years have been office based and the first 5 was my apprenticeship and qualified time, we're an industrial and commercial contractor so it was hard graft but i'm under no illusion that the office life has made me relax haha! I like to go rock climbing in my spare time, i'm by no means a big lad more of a twig but like to think i can hold my own and prove my worth hopefully! A strong positive mental attitude helps i like to think ? Haha! I'm sure you're right Mark

Nottinghamshire Joe, Travel wise for having a day or two work experience i'm not too fused as I spent a good majority of my time working away on site for 5 years but if i was going into the career side maybe a little closer to home (but that's being picky) I do 25 miles each way to the office as it is although that's not masses. Fully with you on that, I have seen a fair few what i'd call questionable looking 'contractors' hooning around my local area but also some that appear very professional, fully qualified, insured and most importantly proud of what they do. So that's kind of the aspiration really, to work with a team that care about their job and gain satisfaction from it if that makes any sense?

I'm based in the East Midlands but have had a full license for 9 years and luckily have a weekend 4x4 toy if any jobs were tricky to get too ? Sorry should have made it clearer, my current career is as a electrician / draughtsman at a mechanical & electrical contractor haha!

Afternoon folks, I’m debating a change of career path after 10 years with my current employer, I’m 26 and it’s just not hitting the right spot anymore and it can sometimes sink you into a right downer! Life is too short. From looking in the past starting as a groundsman makes sense, I’ve no issues with starting on the bottom rung if you like with the aspiration to progress into climbing and more. I’m keen approach a few local qualified arborists if not just for some advice, then maybe asking for potential work experience. Even if it’s just to observe as I know health and safety in my current industry can quite rightly be the limiting factor to those with little experience in new roles. I’m hoping to save up to enrol on the Chainsaw Maintenance & Cross Cutting course, a required first aid course if needs be and any other courses that would be beneficial. I guess I’m just after some advice for where to start or to hear how you got into this industry? I’m just keen to learn, gain experience and any qualifications to see where it could lead me! Or am I being naive and just following the old ticker and not my head. Everything about this job just seems to fascinate me, and i'd love to do a job that i think i'd enjoy. Thanks, Tom.

Hi all, I've joined as i want to find out more about this profession and hopefully gain enough knowledge to go out and gain some experience! Who know's it could even develop into a career. Hope to chat to some of you soon