Arborist Trainee

Ability Advocates Australia is partnering with Inner West Council to recruit an Arboriculture Trainee within the Public Trees team as part of the Inclusive Traineeship Program 2026.

This is a paid, 12month traineeship designed for people with disability who are interested in hands on, outdoor work and would like support while learning practical arboriculture skills.

The role combines real employment with completing a Certificate II in Arboriculture, supported by experienced Council staff and Ability Advocates throughout the traineeship.

About the Inclusive Traineeship Program

Through this program, you will:

• Be paid from day one

• Work in a real Inner West Council role

• Complete a nationally recognised qualification while you work

• Learn at a realistic pace with supervision and support

• Receive ongoing assistance from specialist disability recruiters

Ability Advocates is your employer and support organisation. Inner West Council is your host workplace.

About This Role – Public Trees & Arboriculture

This role supports Council's Public Trees operations and is physically active and outdoors based.

The work environment includes:

• Outdoor work most days
• Working as part of a small crew
• Clear safety procedures and supervision
• Physical movement, standing, lifting and use of tools 

We are very open about the physical nature of this role and discuss suitability carefully before placement.

Key Responsibilities

With training and supervision, you may:

• Assist with tree planting and maintenance

• Support pruning and vegetation management work

• Use tools and equipment safely

• Follow workplace health and safety procedures

• Work outdoors in varying weather conditions

• Communicate with team members on site

Learning is structured, and responsibilities increase gradually.

This Role May Suit You If You:

• Enjoy outdoor and physical work

• Prefer practical, hands on learning

• Are comfortable working in a team environment

• Can follow safety instructions and procedures

• Want to build skills in a trade style role

Reasonable adjustments are considered where possible and discussed openly.

Who Can Apply

This traineeship is specifically for people with disability with a long term condition (12 months or more).

Supporting evidence (such as an NDIS plan, DSP evidence or allied health documentation) will be explained clearly and handled confidentially.

Inclusive Recruitment Process

Ability Advocates uses a strengths based, accessible recruitment process that includes:

• A supportive conversation about role fit

• Honest discussion about physical requirements

• Task based assessment aligned to the work

• A personalised Candidate Success Profile

• Ongoing workplace and wellbeing support