Arboriculture Knowledge ('new' AA course)

[AA Teccie (Paul)]

Hi all,

 

Just a bit (?) of feedback on an inaugural training event we ran last week titled 'Arb Knowledge' which was delivered at Stoneleigh (NAC) by Steve Coombes, external AA trainer, who developed the course in conjunction with Simon Richmond (AA Training Manager) and wrote the (very extensive) associated workbook.

 

The course, labelled as a 'SIGNPOST COURSE', was borne from previous discussions between Steve, myself and others regarding the sometimes lacking arb knowledge required for AC status (remember this is not only about understanding what you are doing to trees, the effects and outcomes etc. but being able to impart that/explain it to the client AND in a way they can understand) and how we could start to address this. This was also coupled by many discussions with firms interested in the approval but concerned their knowledge wasn't 'up-to-the-job' and wanting to know to what extent / level we expected them to be. We would reply by saying a level of knowledge commensurate with a level 3 arb qual, i.e. ND Arb/Tech Cert Arb, BUT without having to actually hold the qual. AND, even if you had, we would still question. This is fine but if you haven't done a 'level 3' then what can you refer to?...hence the course!

 

So how was it? Well, over all, and taking into account a few teething problems and refinements required to the workbooks n associated powerpoint, pretty damn good I think BUT it was an awful lot to cram into a one day course and that's something we're looking at. Sadly one chap was a bit overwhelmed having come 'straight off the tools', so to speak, and without a level 2 qual., i.e. NC Arb / RFS Cert Arb / ISA Cert Arbor, and with very little previous reading of the subject areas, whereas another said it was excellent...just what he needed to 'test' his knowledge levels which were fine in most areas BUT in one or two where he thought he was fine he's a little more to do.

 

The 'signposting' associated with course needs refining too in terms of further direction, i.e. further courses of study (Tech Cert, FdSc, Dip Arb) OR other learning opportunities (poss. further workshops covering topic areas introduced on the course in more detail...dunno?!) for those who don't wish to, can't commit to, or can't afford a full educational course. There are lots of further reading/references referred to in the workbook.

 

IF anyone is interested I would reiterate it is designed as a 'SIGNPOST' course, i.e. it won't give all the answers (there simply isn't time), but it will give you pointers to where, if anywhere, you need to 'up' your knowledge level.

 

With regard to the development of further workshops to compliment/supplement the course...watch this space.

 

Cheers all..

Paul

 

PS Albeit from a specifc need, as we saw it, does the industry need this, is it beneficial/helpful?...any/ALL thoughts welcomed!

Edited March 22, 2010 by AA Teccie (Paul)

[bob]

that sounds good but think you would either not cover enough or blow folks head off in 1 day

would certainly like further details re future courses or even just course notes to comment further

but giving folk a level and further reading ect sounds like a step in the right direction

[AA Teccie (Paul)]

that sounds good but think you would either not cover enough or blow folks head off in 1 day

would certainly like further details re future courses or even just course notes to comment further

but giving folk a level and further reading ect sounds like a step in the right direction

 

Hiya Bob, thanks for the post.

 

We managed both as I mentioned, one guy revelled in it the other cut loose at lunch sadly (I have spoken since an we came to an acceptable solution for him)...just reminds me of the first PTI (Professional Tree Inspection) course we ran, people came along to that expecting to learn how to survey/inspect trees and the course didn't address their needs BUT absolutely did address others (thankfully the majority!)

 

The course info is at http://www.trees.org.uk/downloads/TR_AK_course_info-041209.pdf and as you'll see it's an awful lot to get through in a day BUT remember it is a 'signpost' course and a 'whistle stop tour' of the topic areas.

 

Cheers..

Paul

[Sal]

Just a couple of quick questions.

When is the next course running and what is the format? I know that I just missed one. Sounds very interesting, I see from the website that it's aimed at both those entering the profession and those preparing for AA Approved Contractors status, just wanted to make sure I wasn't biting off more than I could chew. Cheers.

[AA Teccie (Paul)]

Just a couple of quick questions.

When is the next course running and what is the format? I know that I just missed one. Sounds very interesting, I see from the website that it's aimed at both those entering the profession and those preparing for AA Approved Contractors status, just wanted to make sure I wasn't biting off more than I could chew. Cheers.

 

 

Hi Sal,

 

Please see Arboricultural Knowledge - Training for details of next course. The format, to be quite honest, involves sitting in a classroom for a full day of fairly 'hefty' stuff...albeit very interesting but quite challenging, potentially.

 

IMO you need to come with one of two mindsets in order to benefit:

1. As a new learner - treating the course as a 'sign-post' day advising you of where you need to be in order to attain the necessary knowledge for the orle of AA Approved Contractor manager etc.

 

2. As an existing learner - treating the course as a 'tester' of where your knowledge is at currently and highlighting any areas for improvement/update etc.

 

The course does not aim to teach you what you need to know, i.e. impart all the necessary infomration for the various topics covered, as that coul dtake a full year of a Tech Cert. course etc.

 

Hoping this to be of help.

 

Good luck..!

Paul

[Sal]

That's great, sounds like the information I'm looking for at this time.

Thanks for the quick reply.

 

Will be downloading the booking form later.

[AA Teccie (Paul)]

That's great, sounds like the information I'm looking for at this time.

Thanks for the quick reply.

 

Will be downloading the booking form later.

 

Excellent, hope the course goes well for you...if not, for nay reasons, please do let me know.

 

Cheers..

Paul