Arborist Short Course
The Arborist Short Course involves a combination of essential skills and practical training. During the course, participants will learn proper use of a chainsaw, chainsaw maintenance, pruning and felling trees, aerial rescue and more. For those who complete the course successfully, the Arborist Short Course results in City & Guilds NPTC Level 2 Certification. If you aspire to become a tree surgeon, the Arborist Short Course will start you on your way.
Key Training Focus for the Arborist Short Course
Chainsaw skills: The chainsaw is to the tree surgeon what the hammer is to the carpenter. It's crucial that any aspiring tree surgeon learn how to operate this tool effectively. As such, cross-cutting, felling of small trees and the processing of timber are all covered in the Arborist Short Course. As is proper chainsaw care and maintenance.
Aerial work: Arborists spend a large portion of their time up in the trees they're caring for. As such, it is crucial that they know both routine tasks like pruning at height, but also rope and harness techniques and the basics of carrying out an aerial rescue.
Tree work operations: This portion of the course focuses on the safe use of things like wood chippers, stump grinders and more.
Risk assessment: The Arborist Short Course teaches participants to identify site hazards, develop emergency procedures and determine exactly what type of personal protective gear (PPE) is needed for each job.
What to Expect From the Arborist Short Course
Certification: As we mentioned, successful completion of the course will result in professional certification from City & Guilds or Lantra.
Your fitness level: If you plan to become an arborist, you will need to be in above-average physical condition and be free of vertigo (fear of heights).
Practical assessment: You will be assessed on both your theoretical knowledge and your practical knowledge through hands-on exercises.
Who Should Take the Arborist Short Course?
The Arborist Short Course is ideal for anyone looking to develop practical tree care skills in a short amount of time or take their first steps into a career in arboriculture. It is particularly well-suited to individuals who enjoy hands-on, outdoor work and want to gain recognised qualifications in a relatively short period of time.
Those already working in related roles - such as grounds maintenance, landscaping, estate management or forestry - can also benefit from the course as a way to formalise their skills and improve employability. Gardeners and self-employed contractors often use the Arborist Short Course to safely expand the range of services that they can offer clients.
If you are practical, safety-conscious and interested in working with trees in a professional setting, this course provides a solid foundation.
What Can You Do After Completing the Course?
After completing the Arborist Short Course, you will be well-positioned to pursue entry-level roles within the arboriculture and tree care industry.
The qualification also provides a stepping stone towards further professional development. Students often progress to additional NPTC units, advanced chainsaw qualifications or specialised training in aerial tree work and tree inspection.
Holding a Level 2 certificate demonstrates to employers that you have the knowledge and ability to carry out key tasks - such as safe chainsaw operation, basic tree work and risk-aware ground support - to current industry standards. This is particularly important in a high-risk profession like arboriculture, where health and safety awareness is vital, and many employers look for candidates with formal certifications.
Why Choose Us?
Tree Care Training delivers practical, industry-focused arboriculture training led by experienced professionals. Our courses are developed and delivered by trainers with extensive real-world experience in commercial tree care, ensuring that what you learn is relevant, up to date and aligned with current industry standards.
Training is centred around hands-on learning in a supportive environment, with a strong emphasis on safety, correct technique and professional best practices. We work with individuals, employers and local authorities, and are one of the oldest and most well-respected arboricultural contracting companies in the United Kingdom.
Contact Tree Care Training
The Arborist Short Course is an excellent way for those who aspire to become tree surgeons to start their journey. Keep in mind, however, that spaces sell out quickly. So reserve your seat today by calling 01959 524 623.