New to Arboriculture

[KitK]

I am new to this game and would love to come into the industry, but need to gain the practical and theoretical skills in this field. I have started looking into various routes of study and love the base at Capel Manor, but feel that their courses are more aimed at Tree Surgeons, rather than Tree Officers.

 

There is the technicians certificate in arboriculture or higher ed. qual of FSCS Foundation Degree (avail in ,myerscough as online courses).

 

Does anyone have any advice on what course is most applicaple to this field of work?

 

Your experienced advice would be helpful

[Steve Bullman]

are you looking at going straight into the role of tree officer with no practical experience in the field?

[chris cnc]

a National Diploma in Arboriculture would give you good all round knowledge of both the practical and academic side of things, leaving you plenty of options for what to do next.

[Ben90]

I believe you need to have passed the level 2 National Certificate in Arboriculture before you can go on to the level 3 Technician's Certificate. My tutor also recommended that 2-3 years in the field before the level 3 is a really big help.

[KitK]

Thanks. I will be looking to get work experience while I am studying.

 

Would diploma level be sufficient for this path?

[arbclimber]

Thanks. I will be looking to get work experience while I am studying.

 

Would diploma level be sufficient for this path?

 

If you were considering a foundation degree I assume you meet the entry requirements so there really is no point messing about with Cert or Dip level quals. IMO

[chris cnc]

the NatDip is a two year course and includes work experience during the summer between year 1 and 2.

 

during the course you will gain the basic NPTC qualifications as well as all the other academic work.

 

this qualification allows you to start entry level inspections/ surveys.

 

although as arbclimber said, if you already meet the requirements for the degree theres not really any point in doing one of these lower courses.

[KitK]

Thanks for all your help - I am still trying to determine the level I should aim for (degree level is too high) which is all dependent on where the courses are offered on a part time basis - as I prefer college rather than correspondence.

 

I would also be looking to get some voluntary experience. Does any one have any suggestions for colleges within driving distance of london for any of the followng options:

 

1) RFS (level2) Cert in Arb

2) Level 3 National Diploma (BTEC) (Capel Manor only full time this year)

3) Level 3 Technical Cert in Arb (the last year its on offer in Tree Life-Harlow-Essex)

(N.B. Some tutors are very encouraging to take the tech cert, but others feel i should start off at the other courses.)

 

Thanks in advance

 

Kitk

[Arborist]

Theres a rfs course running at merrist wood one day a week on a Wed. last year there were a couple of people from London. The course is theory only.

[arb culture]

Thanks for all your help - I am still trying to determine the level I should aim for (degree level is too high) which is all dependent on where the courses are offered on a part time basis - as I prefer college rather than correspondence.

 

I would also be looking to get some voluntary experience. Does any one have any suggestions for colleges within driving distance of london for any of the followng options:

 

1) RFS (level2) Cert in Arb

2) Level 3 National Diploma (BTEC) (Capel Manor only full time this year)

3) Level 3 Technical Cert in Arb (the last year its on offer in Tree Life-Harlow-Essex)

(N.B. Some tutors are very encouraging to take the tech cert, but others feel i should start off at the other courses.)

 

Thanks in advance

 

Kitk

 

Just a quick thought - The ND is recognised outside the indutry whereas the RFS and the Tech Cert are only really recognised within the industry.

 

If you complete your course and then decide to do something other than arb (don't forget you're new to this and you may decide you don't like it) then I suspect the ND might leave you in a better position.

 

To go for a tree officer role you should really have FdSc level or above.

 

Yes, I know there are tree officers without this who do a good job, but they've usually been around for a while and they don't need it.

 

Good luck with it, whatever you decide to do.