Tree work07884 274693Training01772 369694
Tree work is practical, physical and deeply satisfying when it is done right. Starting as a trainee tree surgeon is about building solid habits from day one, so every cut, lift and decision keeps people and property safe.
Great Oaks brings a clear pathway into the industry through structured, hands-on training in Preston. We focus on safe technique, real-world practice and the recognised certificates that help new starters move quickly from the classroom to site.
The training period for a new tree surgeon will typically start with the basics. You can expect to begin learning how a professional site runs, keep the work zone organised and safe and support the lead operator or climber. Duties may include setting out signage, managing brash and timber, fuelling equipment correctly and handling tools with clear, agreed signals.
Supervised chainsaw use follows further down the line. You’ll inspect tension and sharpness, carry out pre-start checks, and begin with stable cross-cutting that builds chain control and prevents saw pinch. As confidence grows, trainees assist with small-tree felling, processing timber efficiently and maintaining tidy, hazard-free footing around the work.
Clear communication underpins everything. Hand signals, radios and short pre-task briefings align the plan before the first cut. Over time, you’ll contribute to risk assessments, spot site hazards quickly and maintain PPE to the required standard, building the foundations for formal progression through tree surgeon qualifications.
While the exact day-to-day routine of a trainee tree surgeon may vary slightly, gaining the right qualifications is non-negotiable. The starting point is the CS30 and CS31 chainsaw courses.
Today, these courses are more formally known as Level 2 Awards. They cover the NPTC City & Guilds units 201, 202 and 203.
Units 201 and 202 are the equivalent to CS30, and cover chainsaw maintenance and cross-cutting. This covers checking your saw, sharpening the chain and making controlled cuts at ground level.
Meanwhile, what was CS31 is now unit 203: felling and processing trees up to 380mm. This course focuses on tree selection, accurate cuts and safely processing timber.
This training will culminate in an independent assessment. Passing confirms that you have learned the appropriate knowledge and technique to allow you to perform basic chainsaw duties. Great Oaks delivers NPTC chainsaw courses and prepares candidates for these unit assessments using current guidance.
Beyond these entry-level qualifications, further courses are available for more experienced surgeons. These include Tree Climbing and Aerial Rescue and Using a Chainsaw from a Rope and Harness.
In the UK, a certificate of competence in chainsaw use is a necessity to become a tree surgeon, or to go into similar roles. You gain this by completing an NPTC City & Guilds course. Sometimes, this will be referred to informally as a chainsaw ticket.
People also search for a chainsaw licence. There is no official chainsaw licence in the strict sense, but employers will almost invariably require the certifications mentioned above.
Quality comes from the environment you learn in. At our chainsaw training centre in Preston you’ll work in realistic woodland plots with space to practise maintenance, cross-cutting and controlled felling. Classrooms are set up for short theory sessions, then it’s straight back to practical so new knowledge sticks.
Instructors bring recent site experience as well as teaching expertise. Expect clear demonstrations, concise briefings and steady, constructive feedback throughout the day. Practical sessions are paced to suit the group, with extra coaching time where a technique needs a second look.
Group size matters for safety and learning. We keep numbers low on small-group chainsaw courses so everyone gets meaningful hands-on time and one-to-one correction. Fewer learners per instructor also means cleaner supervision around the work zone and quicker rotation on exercises.
Assessments are straightforward when you have rehearsed the routine. You’ll run through pre-use checks, demonstrate safe cutting positions and complete the required felling and processing tasks to the unit standards. Our team helps you understand the assessment flow in advance so test day feels familiar.
Well-maintained PPE is as important as the saw in your hands. You must provide your own PPE, purchased from a reputable supplier. Guidance covers helmet with visor and ear protection, chainsaw boots, Type C trousers, gloves and suitable outdoor clothing.
Safe habits protect people, property and careers. HSE data shows that chainsaws are involved in the majority of serious injuries in tree work, so structured tuition and assessed competence are key for anyone starting out.
At Great Oaks we teach procedures the way they are used on real jobs: pre-use checks, clear briefings, stable cutting positions and consistent aftercare of tools and PPE. Course content follows current HSE guidance on chainsaw operation and reinforces the decision-making that keeps a site controlled when conditions change.
The Arboricultural Association’s scheme sets robust requirements that relate to the quality of tree work, health and safety and professional standards. We’re proud of our status as an ARB Approved Contractor, which highlights our compliance and high-quality work. Other accreditations we hold include Constructionline Gold and ROSPA memberships.
Plenty of newcomers settle into a confident ground role soon after the first two units. With steady practice, maintenance and cross-cutting become second nature, then felling and processing up to 380 mm adds the judgement employers want in entry roles.
Progress depends on what you bring. Prior outdoor or trades experience helps with tool handling and awareness. Fitness and stamina make long practical days easier, especially when moving brash and timber.
Thinking a step ahead helps when applying for roles too. Understanding how to become a tree surgeon clarifies common pathways, from first units to add-on tickets and later climbing skills, so you can pace each step with confidence.
Local knowledge is another advantage. Understanding Preston sites, common hazards and how teams organise the day helps you slot in smoothly. We coach with that context in mind, so you arrive on site with safe habits and the confidence to use them.
Earnings grow with experience, responsibility and recognised certificates. With additional qualifications, the salary for tree surgeons and related roles can be much higher, and the route to better pay is usually a steady climb through clear stages.
At Great Oaks we support that progression with structured feedback and a pathway of further courses. Once the essentials are in place, we can help you plan aerial skills, rescue competence and additional tickets in a sequence that matches your goals and local demand, so each new qualification translates into real opportunities on site.
Do I need experience before training?
No. A good course starts with safe maintenance, cross-cutting and clear site routines. If you already have outdoor or trades experience, that can help with tool handling and awareness.
What PPE will I need?
Helmet with visor and ear protection, chainsaw boots, certified Type C trousers and suitable gloves. We’ll confirm kit requirements with your booking and advise on care and fit.
Are CS30 and CS31 still relevant?
Yes. Employers still use the CS30 and CS31 terms, which correspond to the City & Guilds NPTC units for maintenance, cross-cutting and felling up to 380 mm. You’ll see both the legacy names and the current unit codes.
How are assessments arranged?
Training prepares you for an independent NPTC assessment. You’ll run through pre-use checks, demonstrate safe cutting positions and complete the required cutting and felling tasks to the published criteria.
How many people are in a group?
We keep groups deliberately small so everyone gets meaningful hands-on time and close supervision. That helps build confidence and keeps the work zone controlled.
How quickly can I become competent on the saw?
Most newcomers gain confidence soon after the first two units, especially with practice between sessions. The right plan helps you qualify as a chainsaw operator in a structured way, from maintenance and cross-cutting to small-tree felling.
Can I get funding or use an apprenticeship route?
Some learners access support through employers or local schemes, and apprenticeships can be a good fit if you are joining a team for the long term. We’re happy to discuss options and keep the focus on building recognised, practical skills.
Ready to get started? Great Oaks will guide you from first checks to confident, assessed skills at our Preston site.
Secure a date today and build the habits employers trust with our NPTC chainsaw courses. We’ll help you choose the right starting point and get you ready for assessment.
Our Training Centre in Preston is ideally placed for learners across Lancashire and the North West.
We regularly train candidates from:
Preston
Blackpool
Chorley
Lancaster
Blackburn
Southport
Courses take place in real woodland environments and are led by instructors with years of field and teaching experience.
Great Oaks Tree Services & Training Academy is based in Kirkham, near Preston, and delivers NPTC chainsaw courses to learners across the North West. Whether you’re searching for chainsaw training in Lancashire or need certification near Preston, we’re your trusted training provider.
01772 369694 ✉️ training@greatoakstreeservices.co.uk
01772 369694 ✉️ training@greatoakstreeservices.co.uk
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
