Tree work07884 274693Training01772 369694
High-quality, hands-on arboriculture training, forestry courses, and NPTC qualifications
Chainsaw Courses and Qualifications
Get NPTC-qualified with focused, expert-led tree climbing and chainsaw courses.
At Great Oaks Training, we deliver high-quality, hands-on chainsaw training, forestry courses, and NPTC qualifications. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refresh your skills, our range of chainsaw courses and tree surgeon qualifications are designed to equip you with the knowledge and confidence to work safely and professionally in the arboriculture and forestry industries.
Our training meets the latest industry standards, with City & Guilds NPTC qualifications and courses covering everything from chainsaw maintenance and cross-cutting to felling small trees, aerial rescue, and chainsaw use from a rope and harness.
All our practical courses are delivered by experienced instructors who’ve worked at the highest levels of the industry – giving you real-world insights and skills that stick.
Get in touch today:
If you’re looking to gain your chainsaw licence, expand your qualifications, or transition into a career in forestry, our nationwide training centres offer the perfect environment. With expert-led sessions and access to our exclusive online e-learning portal, you’ll receive the tools and support to succeed long after your course ends.
We also offer:
01772 369694 – Speak to the Instructor
Training@greatoakstreeservices.co.uk
Flexible start dates, expert support, and real results.
All candidates enrolled in our training and refresher courses gain automatic access to our exclusive Online E-Learning Portal. This comprehensive resource features purpose-built workbooks and video guides, created by our expert trainers and tailored specifically to your needs. Whether you’re preparing for your course or revisiting skills afterward, our portal ensures you have the tools and knowledge to excel.
Each course includes full access to our E-Learning portal. A valuable resource designed to support you before, during, and after your practical training. The portal provides:
Easy-to-follow workbooks and guides to support and reinforce your learning at your own pace.
Step-by-step video instructions covering key skills and techniques you’ll need on the job.
Access to curated links, industry insights, and resources for continuous learning.
Revisit after you qualify to consolidate your new skills.
Jason, the Director of Great Oaks Tree Services Ltd, brings a wealth of experience to the table. Starting his career in 2006 with a National Diploma in Arboriculture, Jason has worked across various sectors of the arboriculture industry, from grounds maintenance to utility arboriculture.
In 2015, he achieved Qualified Teacher Status and led a college apprenticeship programme, shaping the next generation of arborists. In 2018, Jason founded Great Oaks Tree Services, which has since flourished into a leading name in arboriculture and grounds maintenance in the North West. Expanding his company into training in 2024, Jason continues to drive for excellence across the industry.
With over 17 years of experience in forestry and arboriculture, Tom is a seasoned expert in the field. His career began with formal training in arboriculture, then he honed his skills as a climber in New Zealand before returning to the UK to work at the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens and Arboretum in Hampshire. Tom then spent a decade with Forestry England as a technical arborist at Westonbirt, the National Arboretum.
Driven by a passion for training, Tom earned his Certificate in Education and became a Practical Lecturer. He joined the Great Oaks team in 2024, where he excels in providing tailored, hands-on instruction with a strong emphasis on safe working practices. Tom also holds NPTC Assessor status for Land Based Certificates of Competence further underscoring his commitment to excellence in forestry and arboriculture training.
Whether you’re stepping into the arboriculture industry for the first time or looking to renew your certification, our chainsaw training courses are designed for people at all levels. We support:
Individuals working towards recognised tree surgeon qualifications
Forestry workers and estate managers seeking to update or add NPTC courses
Grounds maintenance teams needing certified chainsaw training
Utility arborists and contractors operating in high-risk environments
UK businesses requiring bespoke group training
From beginners looking for their first ‘chainsaw licence’, to experienced climbers and aerial operators wanting to expand their qualifications, our courses are structured to meet real job demands and safety standards.
Our nationwide training centres give learners across the UK a convenient and professional place to develop essential forestry and arboricultural skills. We combine expert tuition, access to high-quality equipment, and a safe training environment to help you succeed.
As a local training provider with real-world experience, we understand the needs of employers, contractors, and individuals working in tree surgery, land management, and forestry. That’s why we offer nationally recognised City & Guilds NPTC chainsaw courses, and tailor our approach to help you achieve your chainsaw licence efficiently and with confidence.
If you want to gain hands-on experience with genuine job-ready skills, we’re here to help you build your future in the arboriculture industry.
Chainsaw Course Enquiries
01772 369694 ✉️ training@greatoakstreeservices.co.uk
Yes. While the term “chainsaw licence” isn’t a formal legal document, most employers and insurance providers require you to hold an NPTC certificate of competence before using a chainsaw professionally. Our courses in Preston offer the recognised qualifications you need.
NPTC is part of City & Guilds, and is the awarding body for most practical arboriculture and forestry training in the UK. Each of our courses leads to a Level 2 NPTC qualification that proves your competence to work safely and legally.
It depends on your goals. Many learners begin with a chainsaw maintenance and cross cutting course, followed by felling small trees, and then progress to aerial qualifications. Some complete these in just a few weeks; others build their tree surgeon qualifications over several months.
Absolutely. Several of our courses have no formal entry requirements, and we work with complete beginners regularly. All we ask is that you have a good level of fitness and provide your own PPE. Our e-learning portal also helps you prepare before you arrive.
All practical training takes place at our dedicated site in Preston, Lancashire, with felling sites within a short drive. We welcome learners from across Lancashire, the North West, and beyond.
Yes – we regularly deliver chainsaw training and forestry courses for teams working in estate management, arboriculture, and local government. If you’d like to book a group session, contact us directly and we’ll tailor the training to your needs.
Careers
Climbing, grounds maintenance and utility work.Climbing, grounds and utility work.
Arboricultural Association Approved Contractor.
Last minuteAvailability
Starts Monday 19 October 2026
3 days plus 1 for assessment
£9671 place
Entry requirements: Ground Based Chainsaw Operator and Tree Climbing and Aerial Rescue
Book this date, Using a Chainsaw from a Rope and HarnessOr call the training office on 01772 369694
