Growing the future of arboriculture: how VMS is investing in training and apprenticeships to close the skills gap
Vegetation management specialist VMS Ltd is helping to tackle the arboriculture skills gap by investing in the next generation through a structured apprenticeship programme and in-house training provision, combining formal qualifications with supervised, real-world experience.
At the heart of the support is Corinne Allen, VMS’ competency and skills development co-ordinator, who is guiding four of its apprentices to turn training into safe, confident and capable performance on site.
With four current apprentices – Douglas Hincks, Kyle Bailey, William Childs and Harrison Thomas – Corinne instils regular apprentice days to bring the group together to update evidence, discuss progress and resolve gaps or questions, while also working closely with YMCA regional tutor Jack Staniforth, who supports the apprentices with the learning platform, digital modules, off-the-job records and preparation for upcoming courses.
Corinne recognises that continued learning and practical experience beyond the apprenticeship and completion of its in-house training program are vital in order to ensure the company maintains a skilled workforce.
“Every VMS apprentice will complete an 18-month Level 2 arboriculture apprenticeship with us, with other new starters undertaking a structured program of development over a two-year period,” comments Corinne. “And while the investment in their training may be high, there is real value in working with them to turn everyday work into meaningful learning.”
To ensure that the practical knowledge is transferred from its experienced arborists, Corinne works closely with the company’s operational teams to place apprentices on relevant jobs where possible, while encouraging knowledgeable colleagues to explain decisions, answer questions and pass on practical knowledge. This builds on the company’s ethos of mentoring and support at all levels.
She also helps apprentices understand that valuable learning comes from observation as well as practical work. “Watching a chainsaw being prepared safely, seeing a winch used in different circumstances or completing environmental work can all provide valuable evidence when linked to the apprenticeship framework,” said Corinne.
“This guidance is particularly important when apprentices are learning how to record off-the-job hours and use the digital learning platform. It’s about broadening their understanding of where learning can be applied and getting them to believe that they have learned something.”
Her approach also extends beyond technical competence. Through regular, informal conversations, clear expectations and a supportive environment, Corinne helps apprentices build communication, teamwork, confidence and professional conduct.
Corinne says that learning together also creates valuable peer support: “Although they are at different stages, the more experienced apprentices can show newer colleagues how they recorded similar activities. I can also monitor progress through the apprenticeship dashboard and step-in with additional support when needed.”
Safety is also embedded throughout the programme. Apprentices receive preparation before major courses, undertake formal instruction and assessment, and then reinforce that knowledge on site under the supervision of experienced, qualified colleagues.
For chainsaw work, this includes safe use, maintenance, fuelling and storage, as well as practical understanding of exclusion zones, cross-cutting, tension and compression. Site teams continue the learning by asking questions, prompting apprentices to assess risks and checking that safe practice is understood and not simply followed.
One of the proudest moments for Corinne so far has been seeing apprentices Doug and Will pass their chainsaw-in-a-tree qualification with incredible feedback: “I’ve seen how they’ve grown and developed through VMS and become part of the teams they work in,” she said. “With every certificate they gain, it’s lovely to see how far they’ve come.
“Their progress is visible beyond qualifications. Apprentices who arrived with limited experience have become more confident, support one another and contribute knowledge gained on site.”
VMS’ apprenticeship scheme is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to training within the industry at all levels and supplements its Green To Experienced training program, which has seen the development of two lead climbers and continues to invest in their development.
“Developing well rounded arboriculturists is vital because arboriculture cannot close its skills gap through certificates alone,” explains Corinne. “The work we do is highly practical and constantly changing. Every tree, site and weather condition presents different risks and decisions. Even experienced arborists continue learning throughout their careers.”
With three of the four apprentices set to reach their end-point assessment within the next five months, VMS plans to recruit three more new starters to maintain a sustainable pipeline of skilled talent. However, it recognises that closing the skills gap requires time and commitment from its experienced teams, even when workloads are high.
“Experience comes from facing different sites, trees and conditions. With the commitment of tutors, managers and experienced arborists, our apprentices are building the technical ability, confidence and professional behaviours they need for lasting careers.”
For more information about VMS Ltd, visit their website