Apprenticeship ยท Level 6 ยท Agriculture & Horticulture

Arboriculture

A two-year apprenticeship in tree care. It suits people who like physical work outdoors.

How apprenticeships work: you are hired by an approved employer and paid while you learn, mixing work with blocks of training in a college or training centre. You don't apply through the CAO and you don't need CAO points.

Key facts

How long
2 years
Award
QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Arboriculture
Where you train
  • Galway and Roscommon ETB (Petersburg Outdoor Education & Training Centre, Clonbur, Co. Galway)
Pay
You earn a salary from your employer while training on and off the job. The rate is agreed with your employer.
Costs
No student contribution is required.

Entry requirements

  • You must be hired by an employer approved by SOLAS
  • Eligibility criteria are in the Occupational Profile

How to apply

You must be hired by an approved employer. Search the Apprenticeship Jobs page or contact Galway and Roscommon ETB.

Official page on apprenticeship.ie โ†—

What you'll learn

  • How trees grow and how to care for them
  • Tree surgery from the ground and in the tree
  • Spotting pests, diseases and disorders in trees
  • Working safely
  • Communicating clearly with colleagues and clients

Where it can lead

  • Arborist in the arboriculture industry
  • Progress within the sector or to higher education

Useful Leaving Cert subjects

Biology, Agricultural Science, Geography

These help with the content of the programme; they are not entry requirements unless listed above.

Other Agriculture & Horticulture apprenticeships

Tertiary degrees in Agriculture

Not sure which route suits you?

Our CAO Interest Test matches you to course areas, and now shows apprenticeships and tertiary degrees in your strongest areas too.

Take the CAO Interest Test โ†’ Try the free 3-minute test

Information from apprenticeship.ie, checked November 2026. Details can change, so always confirm on the official page before applying.