As National Apprenticeship Week 2026 celebrates the impact of apprenticeships across the UK, Keystone Environmental is proud to spotlight the journey of Matt Parkinson, a consultant currently undertaking the Level 6 Professional Arboriculturalist Degree Apprenticeship at Myerscough College. Matt’s route into arboriculture is shaped by a lifelong connection to the outdoors, a curiosity for trees, and a commitment to improving the natural environment.
A childhood shaped by landscapes
For Matt, the outdoors has always been more than a pastime, it has been a constant source of grounding and inspiration. Growing up in North Wales, surrounded by the Clwydian Range and with Snowdonia only a short distance away, he spent much of his childhood exploring mountains, climbing trees, and learning to identify species characteristics long before he knew arboriculture was a profession.
“I’ve always thrived outdoors,” he says. “The mountains were my happy place. Trees had this magnificence and mystique to them, and I was curious about them from a really young age.”
Before entering the environmental sector, Matt worked in the outdoor industry and later the cycle industry. But a chance encounter led him to enrol on a Level 2 Forestry and Arboriculture course at Norton Radstock College, a moment he describes as transformative.
“I’ve never looked back. It felt like I’d finally found my calling.”
A modern route into a specialist profession
Matt is now completing the Level 6 Professional Arboriculturalist Apprenticeship, a degree-level programme combining academic study with hands-on consultancy work. Delivered by Myerscough College, the course leads to a BSc (Hons) and a full Level 6 qualification.
The apprenticeship includes off-the-job learning, reflective logs, timesheets, regular 1-to-1s with tutors and workplace mentors. For Matt, the structure has been invaluable.
Learning that changes how you see the world
One module in particular reshaped Matt’s understanding of land management: Essential Plant and Soil Science.
“The scientific terminology caused me a lot of stress at first,” he admits. “Because I went to Welsh-speaking schools, I couldn’t rely on that ‘light bulb moment’ of remembering something from GCSE science. All the terminology I learned back then was in Welsh.”
But once he got into the module, something clicked.
“I really enjoyed it. The Soil Analysis Report was a highlight, it was investigative, practical and based on a real site I’m involved with. Knowing that my work would influence future soil and land management made it incredibly meaningful.”
He explains that every module so far has changed how he looks at trees and how he makes decisions on site, giving him a deeper, more analytical approach to consultancy.
Balancing work, study, and neurodiversity
Matt is open about the challenges he faces as someone with dyslexia and ADHD.
“I was incredibly anxious about starting the course. Time management, organisation, and self-confidence are all things I struggle with. But the support from Myerscough and Keystone has been incredible. They’ve given me strategies, mentorship, and most importantly, belief in myself.”
He winces when describing the role of deadlines in his workflow.
“I hate the term ‘superpower’ when it comes to ADHD, but that looming deadline really does fire me up. It helps me tap into that hyperfocus and get properly stuck into my assignments. As much as I hate it, I almost need that pressure.”
A consultant driven by curiosity and purpose
At Keystone, Matt thrives on the investigative nature of consultancy work.
“I love problem-solving. Every site is different, every tree is different, and every client brings a new challenge. Being out on site is where I feel like I’m genuinely making a difference.”
He also values the opportunity to educate and support clients in making environmentally responsible decisions, something he sees as central to the role of a modern arboricultural consultant.
Once he completes the apprenticeship, Matt hopes to become an even more rounded consultant and to play a greater role in supporting others entering the industry.
“I’ve worked with some amazing, inspiring people throughout my arboricultural career. I’d love to be that person for others. Helping people achieve their goals brings me a lot of joy.”
He sees the apprenticeship as a foundation for long-term growth, both personally and professionally.
A powerful example of what apprenticeships can achieve
Matt’s story reflects the essence of National Apprenticeship Week: real people, real development, and real impact. His journey shows how degree apprenticeships can open doors, build confidence, and create skilled professionals who strengthen the industry from within.
“I’m grateful to Keystone and Myerscough for supporting my development. This apprenticeship has pushed me, challenged me, and helped me grow, and I’m excited for what comes next.”
Matt Parkinson, Senior Arboriculture Consultant