Forestry and Arboriculture - Level 3

This course will help you prepare for a supervisory role in the arboriculture sector. Studying a mixture of practical and theory skills. This is necessary for employment in the sector or moving into a more advanced course such as a degree. You will train within practical sessions that may include using a chainsaw, feeling trees and climbing elements gaining additional qualifications.

The course includes a wide range of modules including:

Principles of Health and Safety

Land based industry machinery operations

Plant and soil science

Estate skills

Business management in the land based sector

Specialist project in the land based sector

Principles of tree felling and chainsaw use

Identification, planting, establishment and aftercare of plants for forestry and arboriculture

Identification of pests, diseases and disorders of trees

Urban and community forestry projects

Woodland habitat management

Principles of tree science

Tree and shrub pruning and maintenance

Emergency tree works

Advanced arboricultural practices

Arboricultural skills

Tree surveys and inspections

Why choose us?

Excellent college resources including a stunning arboretum, woodland, orchard and specialist workshops.

An additional qualification (known as a ticket in the industry) such as chainsaw maintenance and cross-cutting or tree climbing.

Access to site visits, real tree work situations, conferences (including tour annual Arboriculture conference), shows and other events such as tree climbing competitions.

Student transport network to ensure you can get to college.

Courses are a mixture of theory and practical work.

Assessment: Three externally set, externally moderated assignments, two externally set, externally marked exams, sat under examination conditions, one portfolio of evidence, one additional assignment, optional unit assessments as required.

4 GCSEs at grade 4 (old GCSE grade C) or above, to include 2 from English, Maths or Science with at least a grade 3 (old GCSE grade D) in the remaining subject. Alternatively a suitable Level 2 vocational qualification (Merit or above) with English, Maths and Science at Level 2.

You could progress to study a Foundation Degree in Arboriculture.

Level 4 ABC certificate in Arboriculture

Career pathways

This two-year qualification exposes you to the whole industry and the opportunities within it. On completion, it is likely that you will enter the industry by working for an arboricultural company. As you will have gained a breadth and depth of skills and knowledge over a wide range of units, you could progress within work to become:

Tree surgeon/arborist in a small or large business.

International arboricultural work (working in America, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Sweden or others)

Business owner

Consultant

Park Ranger

Once you have more experience, you could become a lead climber or supervisor

Tree nursery grower

Trainee or apprentice with the national trust, forestry commission, city or county council forestry departments, or similar organisations.

This qualification can lead to higher education opportunities as it is equivalent to A Levels.

Progression and Development Sessions

All students enrolled on a Level 2 or Level 3 course will be required to attend Progression and Development sessions every week. These sessions will cover a wide range of topics from careers and employability, British Values and equality and diversity to essential life skills such as mental health and wellbeing, drugs and alcohol and personal safety.