Need help with choosing the best course!

[Little Butch]

I'm new to this and am applying for College to get myself started In the Arboriculture Industry! I'm a bit stuck and there's a few things I'd like to ask though and this seems the perfect place to ask.. Seems alot of knowledge here!

 

This Is my first choice; National Diploma in Arboriculture and Forestry | Otley College Suffolk

 

Second choice; Arboriculture - City & Guilds National Certificate | Otley College Suffolk

 

I have the grades to go straight Into the Diploma so thought there's no reason to do the level 2, Is there?

 

What's this about the CS30/31? Will I get these with the Diploma or will they have to be done seperately after?

 

CS38/39?

 

What's this about NPTC? Are they just the awarding body for the CS courses?

 

Cheers, Butch.

[Borders Training]

The choice of course depends on where you see yourself going? grafter / consultant / management?. Not all colleges offer NPTC units, in my mind you are unemployable without these. NPTC are just the awarding body for the numerous units available.

[Little Butch]

Grafter really, would like to get Into Climbing..

[Borders Training]

Either NC a 1 year course, or ND 2 year, both should give you a good basic knowledge of trees, science etc and pruning, plus you MAY get your CS units thrown in, will atleast get the training off the college to be able to pass the assessments

[Little Butch]

Is the NP worth doing over the NC? What's the pro's and cons of both?

Sorry for all the questions.

 

Butch

[Borders Training]

The ND is a better course if you want to move into charge hand position in the future, also a better base if you ever fancy doing the HNC/HND course

[Little Butch]

Haven't really got any plans to go Into Consoltant etc, rather be out there grafting!

 

So Is It worth just doing the NC which Is a one year course and then trying to get some money together to do the CS30/31 and CS38/39?

 

What else Is there I need to do once I've got the NC and the four CS's I've listed?

[Borders Training]

30,31,38,39,40,41 (32 would be nice) chipper and grinder are also handy. Check with the college you fancy, some of them will sort the CS units out

[Little Butch]

So some colleges will throw in some CS courses for free? Is there anyway you can get a grant or the like for things like these as with no job things like this are extremely hard to pay for!

[Borders Training]

Some colleges give them, but not many. All depends on the funding they get, these are a must to get a job.