Nathj88

Ye agree there is never a 'best time' been looking at what would like to do for a while now because also want something with a bit longevity with it as our working lives are getting longer and longer, I know it would be probably doubtful to climb until retirement but the industry as a whole interests me so you never know what the future holds, I'm not looking at a change for financial gain although everyone still needs a decent livable wage its not always the be all and end all. Think I will get in touch with somebody who my family know who does his own work and see if I can pick some Saturdays up with him in the future, think that's a good route to take gain a bit of knowledge and experience along the way while still having some security in my current job at the minute. Hard juggling a young family and trying to find the right balance between everything. Appreciate all the advice from everyone

Ye would be good to be able to try and learn a bit before jumping feet first, I live just outside of cannock so not very far from yourself, I'm liking the positivity of people who have made the move at similar age, its not easy to change route as you get older

Will look them books up and get them ordered for a bit of reading, I do have a family member who has a bit of land with a couple hundred trees on so would have a bit to practice with but think it would depend on how confident of not having a accident especially at this moment in time as you say. I love being in the out doors and think it is potentially a job I could get a lot of satisfaction and enjoyment from if enjoyment can come from work that is. I would be interested in getting into climbing once gained enough knowledge and experience. I've helped my family member out a few times when they've had trees removed and cut back dragging brash and using chipper along with logging, been tempted to see if I could try and do some Saturdays with him for a bit more experience but don't think the timing again would be great for that so may leave that for later on down the line. If you don't mind me asking what do you currently do now within forestry? From what I gather regarding pay of things I've seen some climbers earn a similar wage to what can get as a day rate now, seen a fair few advertisements for less though, also understand would be taking a cut in wages at some point to try and make transition, was guessing it depends on the individual and skill set etc to pay. I've had some very good years financially scaffolding but feel like need a new challenge and trying to find more enjoyment within my everyday job, its not that I hate what I'm doing just think that maybe there is more out there if that makes any sense.

Thanks mate, will have a bit more of a read through the forum and find some books to have a read up on.

Ye I agree the timing would be awful right now and for the near future, was just thinking along the lines of trying to do some learning and use the quiet time to prepare for future. I'm pretty fortunate at the minute that I have a relative amount of security in the job I'm in at the minute as much as can have in these times that is so im not looking for a immediate jump.

Hi all new to the forum not sure if this is necessarily in the right place. I've been considering a change of career for some time and arboriculture does take my interest a lot. My questions to you all are: Would you say coming into it at 32 is a bit late on? What advice would you give someone looking to come into it? Are there any courses you would recommend to do prior to gaining employment? As well as the nptc/lantra courses i have also seen level 2 distance learning courses offered by hcc etc, are these worth doing and what sort of content can you expect from them? A little more about myself.... I'm 32 and currently work as a scaffolder have been doing for the last 14 years, I'm not scared of a tough days work and capable of using initiative. Live in the west Midlands. Realise with how current things are that now would not be a good time to move jobs/careers but thought with spare time might be worth starting to look at things more seriously. Any advice or thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks