VMS Ltd is reaping the rewards of its dedicated training and development programme, which is helping non-skilled employees build rewarding, long-term, careers in arboriculture.
With the skills gap in arboriculture predicted to see workforce growth go down 1.6% by 2028, VMS Ltd believes that training and development within the industry is key.
We deliver a range of training to all staff via our Lantra Approved training division, VMT Ltd, enabling those joining the team with little or no prior experience the opportunity to gain professional qualifications, hands-on field experience alongside industry-recognised certifications.
Operative Steven Spencer joined us in May 2024 with no prior experience in arboriculture. He had been made redundant from his role in a shoe factory when he spotted a job advert for the company.
“Although I am brand new to the industry, I love working outside. My role as an operative has already offered me great opportunities, alongside a great career path.
“I started off landscaping and maintaining parks before completing my aerial training, then progressing to be an aerial rescuer. There are also plenty of opportunities for tickets.
“I’m keen to go as far as I can in the industry and seeing my contracts manager start out as an operative like me, shows that the possibilities at VMS are endless. I love it!”
In November last year, VMS Ltd was commended for its opportunities for career progression when picking up the Employer of the Year award at the Northamptonshire Business Awards and the company continues to put training and development at the forefront of its agenda.
“Through our structured approach to training, all employees can expect to receive mentoring and complete accredited courses to give them the knowledge, safety awareness and practical skills needed to progress from entry level roles right through to fully qualified arborists and team leaders,” explains training department manager, Helen Mallett.
“Many of our senior team members started with us with no formal qualifications and now lead crews or manage projects across the UK.
“Arboriculture offers a fulfilling career with purpose and we’re proud to help people like Steven discover that. That’s something we are incredibly proud of and it’s also why we organise an annual development day. It gives all employees the opportunity to come together and try out new things, such as tree climbing.
“That’s exactly what Steven did at our development day last year and since then he has made great leaps. We can’t wait to see how his career develops further with VMS.”
For more information on the current positions available, visit our careers page https://vmsltd.net/careers