Eli Hawkes

Hi, I was wondering, is becoming self employed after around 5 years climbing worth it when working full time ? Is there a lot of work etc etc. What sort of money can you expect to make (Asking any self employed climbers).

I am looking to go straight into a job that will give me a chance to complete qualifications and tickets. I am 19 and have just finished a 2 year outdoor adventure diploma but am now wanting to go into tree surgery.

Thanks for everyones advice which I have taken on board - I like the idea of really hard graft to for some years to get experience and then starting up a business. Obviously it will be challenging but so is everything else to make bigger money. I think ill do the route of the apprenticeship as they pay for all my qualifications etc and still make a wage for a year or two then stay with the same company perhaps for a little bit and then buy a chipper and start doing my own jobs. Thanks everybody.

Hello, I am 19 and have just finished college in an outdoor course with lots of climbing but no tree climbing. I have worked as a landscaper briefly before and removed trees but without machinery. I am eager to start off a career as a tree surgeon and have seen endless comments saying that it is a hard graft with not a big payout but I am fine with that as hard graft is not a problem and it is something that very much interests me. What I have written this topic about is to ask experienced arbs that have been through the process for some advice on going about the best way to being successful. I have a few options - Firstly, go to university and study a relevant course. Whilst it is good to have a degree under my belt, I have been told that isn't the best way to becoming a climber (which is my goal) and is pretty useless. Secondly, I could try and I have been applying to apprenticeships or traineeships run by good companies or small businesses down the south coast (Bournemouth,Poole area). I believe this gives me all the qualifications I will need to becoming a fully qualified climber afterwards but I am not too sure? Also, if I did this option, how long would it takes me to get into climbing from being a groundsman? It would be much appreciated if somebody could help me out and give me some pointers what to do and also if anyone knows any vacancies in the Dorset area for that type of apprenticeship or traineeship? Thank you.