Cultivating Excellence: Beechwood Trees' Commitment to Staff Development

At Beechwood Trees and Landscapes Ltd, we recognise that our greatest asset is our team.

In the spirit of fostering excellence and cultivating expertise within our workforce, we've established a comprehensive staff development program that empowers individuals to grow from novices to qualified arborists over a two-year period.

Phase 1: Nurturing Foundations (1 - 3 months)

During the initial phase, our Trainee Arborists undergo a robust onboarding process, starting with a thorough company induction.

This immersion sets the stage for their journey, aligning them with our values and vision.

Health and safety are paramount, so Tier 1 Health Surveillance ensures a strong foundation in occupational well-being.

In the first three months, Trainees delve into essential in-house training covering Woodchipper operation, Manual Handling techniques, and Fire Safety protocols.

This period serves as the probationary stage, laying the groundwork for what lies ahead.

Phase 2: Building Competence (3 - 6 months)

As our Trainees progress beyond probation, they continue on a more intensive phase of skill-building.

Critical Health Screen assessments, CITB on-screen testing, and the essential Registration of Land-Based Operatives (ROLO) certification mark key milestones.

To ensure a comprehensive skill set, Trainees obtain their Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card and First Aid at Work +F qualification during this period.

Mastering the operation of a Woodchipper becomes a practical skill, setting the stage for more hands-on experiences.

Phase 3: Putting in the Groundwork (6 - 12 months)

The journey to becoming a qualified Arborist kicks into high gear during the 6 to 12-month window.

Trainee Arborists delve into the intricacies of chainsaw maintenance (CS30) and learn to fell trees up to 380mm in diameter (CS31).

These crucial skills form the bedrock of arboricultural expertise.

Phase 4: Climbing to New Heights (12 - 18 months)

Building on their climbing and felling proficiency, Trainee Arborists progress to more advanced techniques.

This phase introduces CS38 Tree Climbing & Rescue and CS39 Chainsaw operation from a rope and harness.

It's a period of heightened specialization as they ascend the arborist skill ladder.

Phase 5: Branching Out and Specialising (18 - 24 months)

In the final stretch, Trainee Arborists broaden their expertise to encompass Chapter 8 Traffic Management, gaining proficiency in working with elevated platforms through the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF).

By the end of the two-year program, they emerge as fully qualified Arborists, capable of undertaking both ground-based and aerial tree work.

But learning doesn't stop here. Continuous Professional Development (CPD) becomes the hallmark of their career.

Advanced qualifications include CS40 Tree Pruning, CS41 Rigging, CS32 Medium Tree Felling, CS33 Large Tree Felling, CS47 Chainsaw operation from a Mobile Elevated Work Platform (MEWP), Stump Grinder operation, LOLER Inspection certification, Basic Tree Inspection, and Professional Tree Inspection.

Nurturing Arboricultural Expertise

Beechwood Trees takes pride in the growth of our team.

Through our meticulously designed staff development plan, we not only nurture arboricultural expertise but also cultivate a culture of continuous learning and excellence.

Our staff's journey from novices to qualified Arborists stands as a testament to our commitment to fostering a skilled and knowledgeable workforce.

As we continue to invest in our team, we believe in cultivating the future leaders of arboriculture.