Our Arborist teams help to ensure that during bad weather, trees do not fall on power lines. Working with highly skilled teams, they clear trees and vegetation in proximity to our overhead transmission and distribution network, ultimately keeping the lights on for our customers.

We're growing our team and looking for people who love being outdoors and have experience climbing or working at height. If you have previous experience in tree cutting, forestry or arboriculture that's a bonus, although full training will be given.

Learn more about our Arborist Opportunities

Arborist Tree Cutting Apprenticeships

551478

Closing at: Mar 10 2025 at 23:55 GMT

Base Location: Oxford, Salisbury, Reading Dorchester

Salary: Circa £14,894 per annum + a range of other benefits to support your family, finances, and wellbeing. Salary upon finishing the Apprentice programme is £28k+ per annum.

Working Pattern: Full Time | 2 year apprenticeship programme

Start Date: August 2025

Are you looking for a hands-on, outdoor career that makes a real impact? Our Utility Arborist Tree Cutter Apprenticeship is an exciting opportunity to train as part of a highly skilled team responsible for maintaining the safety and reliability of the electricity network.

What to Expect:

Qualifications: Our Arborist Tree Cutter Apprenticeship Programme is a 2 year journey designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience needed to become a qualified Arborist. You will gain a qualification in Level 2 Horticulture and Forestry whilst attending college
Essential Fieldwork – You'll work outdoors in all weather conditions, ensuring trees and vegetation are safely managed near overhead power lines and equipment.
Work at Height – As part of this role, you’ll be trained to climb and work at height, using specialist equipment to keep the electricity network safe and operational.
Net Zero Contribution – Your work will play a vital role in supporting the transition to a greener energy future by maintaining a safe and reliable electricity supply.

What You’ll Gain:

• Industry-recognised qualification

• Hands-on experience in a vital sector

• Skills to build a rewarding career in energy

• The opportunity to contribute to the UK’s NET ZERO goals

What We're Looking For:

We’re searching for motivated individuals with the right qualities to succeed in this hands-on role. You don't need any specific qualifications, to be considered, you should:

• Be proactive and resilient – Able to adapt to changes in the sector and focused on delivering great results.

• Be a fast learner – Willing to develop new skills quickly, work effectively in a team, and embrace diversity.

• Prioritise safety – Follow our core safety principle: "If it's not safe, we don't do it."

• Be comfortable working at height – If you’re applying for this role, you must be able to demonstrate confidence and ability in working at height.

• Enjoy hands-on outdoor work – Expect to work in all weather conditions, directly contributing to maintaining the power supply for customers.

• Team Player Mindset – The ability to collaborate and work effectively with others

• Willing to live away from home - while attending college or placements across SSE

• Driving Commitment – While not essential at the start, it’s beneficial if you're learning to drive or already hold a licence. By the end of the programme, you’ll be expected to have a full UK driving licence

About our Business

SSE has a bold ambition – to be a leading energy company in a net zero world. We're transforming the grid to provide greener electricity for millions of people and investing over £20 billion in homegrown energy, with £20 billion more in the pipeline.

SSEN Distribution, part of the wider SSE group, powers 3.9 million UK homes and businesses. Our team of more than 4,200 skilled engineers, customer service advisors and energy experts keep customers connected to a safe, reliable supply of electricity while investing in and developing the flexible networks needed for our low carbon future.

Flexible benefits to fit your life

Enjoy discounts on private healthcare and gym memberships. Wellbeing benefits like a free online GP and 24/7 counselling service. Interest-free loans on tech and transport season tickets, or a new bike with our Cycle to Work scheme. As well as generous family entitlements such as maternity and adoption pay, and paternity leave.

As an equal opportunity employer we encourage diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We encourage applicants from all protected characteristics and commit to providing any reasonable adjustments you need during the application, assessment and upon joining SSE. Search for 'Inclusion & Diversity at SSE' to find out more.

What happens now?

All applications should be made online, and I'll be back in touch after the vacancy closing date to let you know next steps.

If you would like to discuss any working differently requirements or adjustments you may require throughout the recruitment and selection process, please contact apprenticesandtrainees@sse.com by email or you are very welcome to request a call if you would prefer to discuss on the phone. 

Before commencing employment with SSE, you’ll be required to fully complete our pre-employment screening process consisting of a basic criminal records and credit check.  

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK by the start of employment. Please note, SSE welcomes applicants from all nationalities to apply for the Apprenticeship/Trainees roles, however, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship as the salary does not meet the UKVI minimum salary threshold for this role.

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