LJX apprentices, Garry Friel and Camilo Fraser, have been learning about rope safety, as they enjoyed their first climb earlier this week.
Garry and Camilo are seven months into their two-year long apprenticeship after joining the LJX team last year. As well as learning about technique, the main priority at this stage is safety, where they are learning the importance of PPE and making sure it is being always adhered to. As you can see in our picture, they are still learning about the importance of having visors down and ear defenders on at all times! It takes time, but it is very important and a must for all professional arborists.
Over the next few months, they will go on to learn more about carrying out risk assessments and safety, which is a common focus through each area of their apprenticeship.
Senior Arborist, Gavin Close, supervised Garry and Camilo as they embarked on their first climb, giving them a base knowledge of how to climb a tree and the techniques involved. They will continue to receive instruction throughout their apprenticeship, where they’ll learn more about the use of ropes when climbing and rigging, and the various knots to use and when to use them.
Gavin comments: “Gary and Camilo have a great attitude and are keen to learn (which comes across in everything they do!). Learning about safety is paramount and something that we take very seriously at LJX. Once they have conquered safety and risk assessment, they’ll move on to the next stage of felling at height. They are doing so well and I’m looking forward to helping them complete their apprenticeships.”
Both Garry and Camilo now have their chainsaw certification in place and are working with Stewart Christie from Rural Skills Scotland to keep all their paperwork up to date. As part of the process, all their work is logged and evidence collected to showcase their skills.
LJX employs over 20 staff and works across the central belt of Scotland, carrying out a range of domestic and commercial tree surgery services.
For more information, please get in touch.
Garry Friel (L) and Camilo Fraser (R)
