Lecturers join forces to create The Arb Academy

Professional practicing Arborists and lecturers Nobby Clarke and Luke Blaber have joined forces with Focus Training (SW) Limited to create The Arb Academy, a high quality tree and forestry training academy based in the heart of Devon.

Nobby Clarke, a well-known Arborist in the South West who boasts over 30 years’ experience, had a vision of creating a high standard, enjoyable training academy led by industry professionals that focuses on delivering high quality Traineeships, Apprenticeships and Vocational Courses under realistic Forestry and Arboricultural working conditions.

The courses and training on offer provide outstanding knowledge and practical skills in tree and forestry management. The Academy strongly believes that through inspiring success and developing potential it can provide the highest quality training opportunities to all individuals irrespective of their background or ability, ensuring that they acquire the skills necessary to successfully shape their future and fulfil their potential.
Nobby Clarke, founder states

“We wanted to create something that would be able to support an individual throughout their career in the tree world, taking them step by step from the basics, and eventually taking them as far as they wanted to go. Basically a one stop shop for everything to do with trees and tree workers. It would be run by industry professionals, to create professionals, and would be educational, entertaining and fulfilling. We were well aware of the needs of our industry, but could see that it was not being met by the traditional training organisations. In order to achieve our goals we decided we would involve everyone in the process, trainees, apprentices, employers, industry professionals and industry led bodies to create an up to date learning environment for all.”

The Academy offers a wide range of qualifications and courses to suit your company’s requirements as well as providing high quality Traineeship and Apprenticeship training.

The Arb Academy have supplied Hi-Line, one of the leading tree surgery companies in Devon, with a number of apprentices and courses. A Hi-Line spokesman said:

‘Working with the Arb Academy has enabled Hi-Line to provide an Apprenticeship that benefits both us as an employer and the Apprentices that join us on this programme. From initial discussions, when we outlined what we were hoping to achieve by offering a number of apprenticeship places each year, through to the training being given today, we have received a high level of customer service and a willingness to work closely with us a company. The four apprentices who started with us at the start of the year are progressing well and have already passed several industry qualifications, which has enabled them to already use their new skills on site. At the end of their apprenticeship they all wish to remain with Hi-Line and progress in their careers with us. By understanding the arboriculture industry the Arb Academy are offering an apprenticeship programme that provides the key skills and qualifications that both people interested in becoming arborists require and that employers are looking for when recruiting’.

The courses on offer cover everything from basic ground tasks and machinery use, to pruning, rigging and professional tree inspection. The Academy can easily create bespoke courses for you and your team to ensure that you get exactly what you need.

For more information about how The Arb Academy can benefit you call 01392 829100 or visit www.thearbacademy.co.uk.