Distribution Utility Arborist Apprenticeship

557687

Closing at: Mar 8 2026 - 23:55 GMT

Base Location: Isle of Wight, Reading, Salisbury, Chichester / Portsmouth, Swindon, Oxford

Salary: Circa £15,000 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 | up to a 2 year apprenticeship programme

Start Date: August/ September 2026

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 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 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.
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 SSE

SSE’s purpose is to provide energy needed today while building a better world of energy for tomorrow. We do this by developing, building, operating and investing in electricity infrastructure and businesses needed in the energy transition. Our Transforming for Growth investment plan sees us investing £33bn in critical electricity infrastructure across the five years to 2030.

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.

What happens now?

If you’re passionate about electrical engineering and eager to develop your skills, we’d love to hear from you! Take the first step toward a meaningful career that powers communities and supports the UK’s energy transition. All applications should be made online, and we will be back in touch after the vacancy closing date to let you know next steps.

SSE will make any reasonable adjustments you need to ensure that your application and experience with us is positive. 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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