Groundie ticket
Colleagues and supporting them with off ground works (CS45) course is for all you groundies that are running the ground operations whilst the arborist is working in the tree.
Supporting Colleagues Off Ground
21-11 (formerly CS45)
Supporting colleagues off ground, you are probably thinking really? Whether you have been working with an arborist team for years or are just getting going in the world of arboriculture/tree surgery. Nevertheless, there is always something new to learn that will help you get to where you want to be and complete jobs to an even higher standard.
The supporting colleagues off ground course is one of those courses where you may be thinking:
- ‘do I really need to do this one’,
- running the groundwork is obvious isn’t it?’
- ‘How can there be a course just for being a groundie’
Hopefully, you’ve worked past the above comments and can see the importance of good communication and teamwork in the air and on the ground. In that above all, it is about the whole team’s health and safety.
Covering specifically but not limited too:
- setting out the site;
- sending the saw and other equipment up to the climber;
- operating lowering equipment;
- breaking down crown sections
- handling and stacking arisings
Our one day course in supporting colleagues off ground course above all allows you plenty of time to learn about and make comparisons about the different equipment that can be used.
You will be learning about:
- identifying, inspecting and being able to comment on key parts of the equipment to be used.
- preparing the equipment for use ensuring the safety of themselves, other people and the environment.
- breaking down crown sections on the ground.
- being able to operate hand tools.
- correct positioning of warning signs.
- what you need to do in an emergency
- how health and safety legislation will affect you
- biosecurity and furthermore the importance of clean tools
Many of you are already actively carrying out supporting colleagues off ground. However, you may have discovered that as a professional operator you need a certificate of competence to enable you to carry on doing so and keep your insurance.
You may have been asked by:
- your membership body e.g. Arboricultural Association
- your employer
- or a new contract opportunity to demonstrate competence through certification
Are you new to the job or been doing it for over 40 years and things have changed, if so and you are planning to gain your supporting colleagues off ground qualification have you been:
- struggling to find the right fit in terms of a training provider?
- confused by all the names, numbers and acronyms for the land based courses that are available to you?
- worried you will get it wrong or waste your hard-earned money?
- concerned that it will feel like going back to school?
- looking to gain a qualification to continue with jobs because legislation has changed?
- offered a new and exciting contract, but need another ticket/qualification to seal the deal?
Then we can help you!
No matter which sector you are coming from, and the level of experience. We can work with you to understand your training needs. To tailor a programme and provide courses that will be suitable for you.
Providing award-winning training through tailored, flexible, friendly, approachable trainers and assessors.
All courses run with small groups to ensure you have as much time as needed to learn and experience what is required for the assessments if you chose to take them. Trainers and assessors have the experience, are friendly, and approachable.
Finally, as with all Lowe Maintenance courses, you get support and advice via email or on the phone, if you need it in the future, just because you’ve completed the course doesn’t mean you can’t get in touch if you need more information or guidance.
- Register Your Interest Form
- Cost - £260
£20 VAT included
Includes training and assessment - Certification - City and Guilds
- Length
Training - One day
Assessment - One day


Other courses of interest to you
- Chainsaw maintenance, cross cutting (CS30) Felling and processing trees up to 380mm (CS31)
- (CS30) Chainsaw maintenance, cross cutting
- (CS31) Felling and processing trees up to 380mm
- Tree Climbing and Rescue (CS38)
- Aerial Tree Rigging (CS41)
- Ash Dieback, Risk Assessment, Work Planning and Methodology
- Tree Condition/Survey Inspection Management
- Manually Fed Wood Chipper
- Stump Grinder
- Brushcutter and Trimmer
- Hedge Cutter Handheld
- Leaf Blower
- Powered Pole Pruner
- ROLO Health, Safey and Environmental Awareness
- Skid Steer Tracked or Wheeled
- Pesticides
-
You have probably noticed that there are even more courses than you thought possible.
It seems like there could be one for walking over lumpy ground soon!
With this in mind please feel free to give us a shout and ask for help in figuring out which ones will be right for you.
As a result you may discover you do not need to do as many courses as you first thought!
Testimonials

You will require:
- Chainsaw helmet with meh visor and ear defenders (in date)
- Protective chainsaw gloves
- Chainsaw boots
- Protective chainsaw trousers
- Waterproofs weather dependant.
Do you need a refresher? HSE advises that you complete a refresher every 5 years, although some insurance companies state every 3 years. We can help.
Please contact us to enquire about availability.
Supporting Colleagues Undertaking off Ground Tree Related Operations – one day refresher £150 +VAT = £180 per person
You will receive a Lowe Maintenance Certificate of Completion.
FAQ
Do I really need a groundie ticket?
The groundie ticket is there to help grounds’ staff aid a climber without asking for too much direction. It leaves the climber to get on with the job. It’s a very good way of learning about the use of the kit and being able to do your job more effectively.
Do I need to be able to climb trees for a groundie ticket?
No, it is not a requirement to be able to rescue even though it would be of use on the site and possible aid promotion.
Do I need a chainsaw ticket to do CS45?
You will need chainsaw maintenance and cross-cutting 20-03 (formally CS30)
Do I need to be strong?
No, the lowering system is designed to take the strain so no undue strength is required to be a groundie. Although the more you do the stronger you will become.
Would some sort of communication system help?
There are radio systems available but not a requirement. They do make the job easier, in that you’re not having to shout up the tree over lots of noise on the ground. A good communication system saves a lot of stress and agro.