At Butlers we are proud to facilitate an Apprenticeship Programme for young people looking to get into the industry. We know it can be challenging to break into Arboricultural work without any experience or knowledge of the specialised skills needed. So, we are pleased to welcome Apprentices to the Butlers’ team and offer them a big first stepping stone in starting their career. To learn more about what it’s like to be an Apprentice at Butlers, we caught up with Adam to share some first-hand experience!

1. What was the process to become an Apprentice at Butlers?

The first thing that I did to start the Apprenticeship process was to contact the college and the employer about getting into the course, then I was invited to an open day at the college (Sparsholt, Winchester). They showed me around the facilities and the classrooms that I would be using in my two years at the college. After this, I met with Butlers and was shown around the yard and the machines and met some of the guys I would be working with. Then I was given a start date for work and college and the rest is history. 

2. How many years will your Apprenticeship be? What qualification(s) do you finish with?

My Apprenticeship is two years. I attend college on a Monday and work the rest of the week. During this time, I will gain NPTC (National Proficiency Test Council) tickets in just about everything going from chainsaw to climbing and much more. In total, I will get eight in my two years at college.

3. What does your role involve?

The role I play as an Apprentice is mostly learning and supporting the team. At the same time, I try to gain as much knowledge and experience as I can. It’s great to shadow the team and learn from hands-on experience. As Butlers provide a wide range of services I get to learn about them all on the job which is great!

4. What do you like most about being an Apprentice at Butlers?

The thing I like most as an Apprentice at Butlers is learning the vast knowledge that some of the more experienced members of the team have, like little tips and tricks to make the day easier and more efficient.

5. What’s the most challenging part about being an Apprentice?

The most challenging part for me is that you are being fed a lot of information very quickly, but the upside to this is that you can also progress very quickly within the industry and I will have a great start once completing the apprenticeship.

6. What advice would you give to anyone wanting to follow in your footsteps?

Do it! It’s great and you’ll enjoy it as much as I have!

If you’d like to learn more about becoming an Apprentice with Butlers, don’t hesitate to give us a call! We’d be happy to have a chat and welcome you to the team.