Each month Pro Arb’s apprenticeship feature showcases a young person making their way in the industry. This month we talk to Lewis Evans, a 20-year-old trainee arborist with Beechwood Trees and Landscapes Ltd
What is your full name, age and job title?
I’m Lewis Evans, aged 20, and I am a trainee arborist at Beechwood Trees and Landscapes Ltd.
What is your role within your company?
Groundsman and trainee arborist roles, including rigging, dragging brash, plus tree climbing, pruning works and tree felling.
Why have you chosen arboriculture as your profession?
I have always been keen to work outdoors and enjoy working within a team. It’s great having a job that changes from day to day, as I didn’t want to be stuck in an office from nine to five.
Did you go to college? If so, where and what qualifications did you get?
Yes, I went to Warwickshire College in Leamington Spa where I studied a Level 2 Diploma in Applied Trees and Timber.
What is your favourite part of your current role?
I really enjoy climbing and I am keen to improve, there’s always something different and the job can be exhilarating.
What is your favourite piece of equipment to use?
I enjoy using rigging equipment such as the hobbs lifting and friction device. It means we can cut bigger pieces of timber at once and can control and manipulate them.
What are your future ambitions within the industry?
I am always looking to improve myself and my abilities. One day I would like to tackle larger tricky trees that require a lot of thought and judgement.
Is there a structured development plan at your company for you?
Yes, Beechwood is always looking to improve you and the qualifications you obtain whenever possible. Our skills are evaluated and new training is implemented to build us as arborists.
Lewis started working with us in January 2013 as a groundsman/trainee arborist. At the time we were working on a tree works schedule for Walsall Housing Group, which enabled him to develop his practical tree knowledge and customer relations skills. In September 2013 he enrolled on a Level 2 apprenticeship at Moreton Morrell college in Warwickshire, attending one day every two weeks while working with us for the remainder of the week. He soon established himself as a valued member of our team, demonstrating high levels of self motivation which he applies to delivering the best possible standard of work. – Mark Barrett, Operations Supervisor
