Women in arb: Amelia Wilkinson, tree surgeon with Multevo

WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND? 
I’m 19 years old from Leyland, Lancashire. Since a young age, I’ve worked on my grandma and grandad’s farm with my dad, where we raise and feed cows.

WHERE ARE YOU BASED? 
I’m currently based in Darwen, working for Multevo as a tree surgeon. 

WHAT MADE YOU PURSUE A CAREER IN ARBORICULTURE? 
What encouraged me into the arborist industry was the type of work involved and I’ve always enjoyed being outdoors. Every day is a different day, where different problems and challenges are needed to be solved to complete the work.

READ MORE: Women in arb: Hi-Line’s London-based Anna Bartlett

WHAT DOES YOUR DAY-TO-DAY WORK INVOLVE? 
Cutting, pruning, removing, and chipping trees, mainly alongside the highway. 

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST EXPERIENCE IN ARBORICULTURE? 

Amelia first discovered a love of nature on her grandparents' farm (Image: Supplied)

While working on the farm, I was approached by a local domestic tree maintenance company in Leyland. I worked with the team for a year, mainly cutting hedges and trees in gardens.

WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT IN THE INDUSTRY? 
Showing it was possible for a young woman to work in a male-dominated industry. No matter the challenges I faced every day, the environment I was in, or what they might have thought of me, I proved to myself it was achievable.

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU HAVE LEARNED DURING YOUR TIME IN THE INDUSTRY? 
Keep showing up for yourself. At first, it was overwhelming working in a male-dominated industry, I faced many challenges including proving I had the physical ability to do the job. My determination is helping to change people’s perspectives on a woman’s strength and passion.

WHAT CAN BE DONE TO ENCOURAGE MORE WOMEN INTO THE SECTOR? 

Amelia's daily activities vary (Image: Supplied)

More arboriculture organisations should promote more women to join them. Women already working in the sector should speak up and promote what an amazing job you can have. 

HOW IMPORTANT IS A GOOD WORK-LIFE BALANCE WHEN WORKING IN THE INDUSTRY? 
The job is physically demanding so it is important to make time to rest. Working outdoors is really good for your physical and mental health, but there are times when you know your body is asking for a break so it’s important to recognise this and not burn yourself out. 

WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES FACING THE SECTOR AT THE MOMENT, IN YOUR VIEW? 
I think the biggest factor in this industry is not having enough women. It’s so important to diversify and expand to balance the gender ratio. Women shouldn’t be afraid of the challenges or the work that lays ahead of them in this job. It’s a proud moment knowing you have the ability to work in the industry.

On the farm (Image: Supplied)

WHAT GIVES YOU JOB SATISFACTION ABOUT CARRYING OUT YOUR ROLE? 
When me and my team have completed the work to the satisfaction that is needed – it’s a great feeling. Knowing you have completed a job to the correct standard is a proud moment. The team I work with are amazing and have always made me feel welcomed. We’re a family and I look forward to coming into work every day thanks to them. 

FROM YOUR PERSPECTIVE, DO YOU SEE ANY SHIFT IN ATTITUDES IN ARB? IS IT BECOMING MORE INCLUSIVE FOR WOMEN? 
Since working in the arboricultural industry for the past year and a half, I’ve seen so many changes of people’s perspectives on women in the industry. Since I started working with Multevo, all the staff have been supportive and caring of me. My team are exceptionally helpful. When I need them, they are there for me. They always check up on me and I do the same to them – we are equals. We always make each other’s day with the great conversations we have and the great teamwork. They never let me struggle and I’m not afraid to ask for help. This company is very supportive of a woman representing their company on the highway and within the industry. It’s organisations like Multevo that are paving the way for the industry to be more inclusive.