What is a Level 3 Professional Tree Inspection Course

[forestrynick]

Hi all,

 

What the hell is a level 3 professional tree inspection course? 

 

My main area of expertise is forest management, but I do occasional roadside and individual tree surveys for properties I manage. I've previously completed The Arboricultural Associations Professional Tree Inspection Course (run by Guy Watson and very good!). I think they are now mostly run by Lantra? 

 

Over the last few years I've seen a few tenders that specifically require surveyors to hold level 3 qualification or equivalent. You can do Basic (lvl 1?) or Professional (lvl2?)... what is level 3 supposed to be? 

 

Normally I wouldn't care - I know I'm competent, my clients know I'm competent and the AA PTI proves to insurers that I'm competent. But in this sad modern age - not complying with specific conditions of a tender / contract can cause big problems!

 

Anybody in the know able to shed some light on this?

 

Thanks 

 

Nick

[Mark Wileman]

I think you have you wires crossed a bit. Some people (Glendale for example) ask for an academic level 3 qualification in Arboriculture for their surveyors, eg "City and Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Forestry and Arboriculture".

The above award is pretty entry level though, and I think PTI/experience would hold a lot more weight.

Edited November 16, 2017 by wiley

[Khriss]

Forestry NicK- Guy does the Lantra course and certainly a good instructor

 

Technicians cert ( Level 3 ) is a years course , PTI in tree surveying is a three day course - no idea why Glendales would specify that and it didn't do me any good there anyway K

[Mark Wileman]

From what I hear people don't pass PTI without a lot of background knowledge, so maybe 3 day course, but a lot of experience to pass it! 

[Mark Wileman]

To clarify, I have the level 3 diploma and BTI but wouldn't feel confident attempting PTI yet.

[Khriss]

Ahhh Wiley ! Go for it ! God If I got 70% first time , with a good instructor , you will amaze yrself K

[AA Teccie (Paul)]

Hi, just to clarify the PTI is a Lantra training course/ certification opportunity regardless of whom delivers it or whichever training provider, Inc the ARB Association, offers it. 

The 'level 3' probably relates to an academic qualification level, to compliment / supplement the PTI, which is actually not that easy to access these days outside of the college environment. Professionally most people look to attain the level 4 diploma in ARB with various training providers or landbased college.

 

Hope this helps to clarify things...a little. 

 

Regards all,

Paul

 

[Paul Barton]

10 minutes ago, AA Teccie (Paul) said:

Hi, just to clarify the PTI is a Lantra training course/ certification opportunity regardless of whom delivers it or whichever training provider, Inc the ARB Association, offers it. 

The 'level 3' probably relates to an academic qualification level, to compliment / supplement the PTI, which is actually not that easy to access these days outside of the college environment. Professionally most people look to attain the level 4 diploma in ARB with various training providers or landbased college.

 

Hope this helps to clarify things...a little. 

 

Regards all,

Paul

 

...or a Foundation degree, degree or Masters from a University.

[AA Teccie (Paul)]

22 minutes ago, Paul Barton said:

...or a Foundation degree, degree or Masters from a University.

Indeed, thank you Paul (I was trying to cite the 'current ' direct alternatives to, relevant to and commensurate with PTI, for instance, the old 'AA Tech Cert' )

Regards,

Paul

 

Edited November 16, 2017 by AA Teccie (Paul)
Additional info

[forestrynick]

Okay thanks for the help all - not entirely sure it's any clearer but gives me the impression I'm not the only one who would be confused by this contract brief!

 

Nick