The industry-led Register of Tree Work Operatives, known as R2, will be launched with the support of Makita at The Arb Show 2015, Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, Gloucestershire, Fri 5 – Sat 6 June 2015.
As platinum sponsor of R2, Makita will exhibit on stand T2 where the on-line register will be demonstrated by R2 and Makita staff.
What is R2?
This initiative is designed to enable arborists to demonstrate their skill and experience levels and to help businesses identify which operatives have the required skills to undertake varying types of tree work. For each job there are pre-determined criteria, which include qualifications and training, measures of task-specific experience and also time served within the industry. To progress to the next grade, all the pre-requisite criteria must be attained and the relevant time served. R2 will be quality assured to ensure that the worker will be at the required standards.
Why use R2?
The R2 scheme’s key objective is to encourage highly trained, flexible and skilled individuals and workforces who possess the relevant skills, training and resources to undertake the many different aspects of arboricultural work in a safe and efficient manner. R2 intends to unite the arboricultural industry through a transparent and consistent skills and career progression framework, which will also benefit individuals from an employment perspective.
Arboricultural operatives can sign up for R2 at the Arb Show on stand T1B for an annual fee of £30, or less for employers with a number of employee registrations. All those registering during the show and throughout the remainder of June will be entered into a prize draw to win a Makita EA5000-P45D 50cc chainsaw worth over £600.00. All registrant tree workers at the show will receive a free co-branded T shirt. Registrations can also be made on www.r2register.co.uk.
Kevin Brannigan, marketing manager, Makita UK, says: “We have been working with arborists and tree workers for a number of years and we are delighted to support R2. This is a pioneering project that recognises the skills of tree workers and businesses and is a great way to support the industry by creating and retaining highly trained individuals and flexible, skilled workforces at a professional level.”
The project is coordinated by a steering committee involving the Arboricultural Association, International Society of Arboriculture UK and Ireland Chapter, Glendale Countryside, Bartlett Tree Experts, A M Lane Ltd., Landex Colleges, Western Power Distribution, Makita UK and Lantra. The group is chaired by Jaime Bray of Treetop Arboriculture.
Visit www.r2register.co.uk for more information about R2. And for more information about Makita UK visit www.makitauk.com or follow us on Twitter @makitaUK and facebook.com/makitauk for our latest news and product launches.
