ISA Certified Arborist looking to work in Uk

[Island Lescure]

Hi, I'd like to work as an arborist in the UK. I was just wondering if there are any credits that can be transfered to nptc from getting the arb cert from ISA as it's the only certificate I hold. Any other way to work here otherwise?

Thanks,

Island

[AA Teccie (Paul)]

Hi, I'd like to work as an arborist in the UK. I was just wondering if there are any credits that can be transfered to nptc from getting the arb cert from ISA as it's the only certificate I hold. Any other way to work here otherwise?

Thanks,

Island

 

Hi there, nice to hear you'd like to work in good old 'blighty'..!

 

Forgive my ignorance of how the ISA CA scheme operates in the US but do you have any certification recognising your competence as a chainsaw operator (in particular, as these operations are subject to regulatory controls in the UK) or is it implicit in the qualification?

 

I understand for instance, that in New Zealand they operate a chainsaw competency scheme which is not dis-similar to that of the NPTC system in the UK. What happens here, as I understand it, is that HSE (the Health & Safety Executive, the government dept charged with responsibility for workplace safety AND also the enforcement body) are fairly relaxed about NZ operators with their national scheme evidence operating for upto 12months but theerafter they expect them qualify under the UK recognised system, i.e. NPTC.

 

Once I know more about your situation I can enquire further on your behalf.

 

Regards..

Paul (Paul Smith, Tech. Officer with the Arboricultural Association email direct [email protected])

[Silver Back]

Hi Island,

Well done on being a Certified Arborist, which in itself shows commitment to the global arb industry and general care for trees.

In the UK we are expected to show certificates on competence on the use of equipment as well as knowledge of our health & safety requirements. Assessment schedules are freely available online, I can supply you a link, or more info if you want

[Island Lescure]

Hi and thanks for the quick replies and info,

 

Regarding the chainsaw credits;

the proper use of chainsaws is part of the test however, the test is only theoretic(it's not practical but you are required to have completed 3 years of practical work to take it). I don't have any chainsaw tickets of any sort. I also don't know how it works in the US as I haven't worked there(I've worked in Australia and India but didn't need anything there except competence).

 

Regarding the assessments;

I am, at present, in contact with TK forestry training in Sheffield but they don't seem to know much with regards to this either. I have looked at the assessment scheme. The concern here is the price, which is why I would like some sort of credits for my certificate so as not to do things twice.

cheers, Island

[AA Teccie (Paul)]

Hi and thanks for the quick replies and info,

 

Regarding the chainsaw credits;

the proper use of chainsaws is part of the test however, the test is only theoretic(it's not practical but you are required to have completed 3 years of practical work to take it). I don't have any chainsaw tickets of any sort. I also don't know how it works in the US as I haven't worked there(I've worked in Australia and India but didn't need anything there except competence).

 

Regarding the assessments;

I am, at present, in contact with TK forestry training in Sheffield but they don't seem to know much with regards to this either. I have looked at the assessment scheme. The concern here is the price, which is why I would like some sort of credits for my certificate so as not to do things twice.

cheers, Island

 

I will enquire with NPTC whether there's any opportunity to APL (accredited for prior learning) but because of the regulatory requirement under PUWER 98 (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998) requiring chainsaw certificates of competence I think it will be unlikely to be honest...but I will ask (next week now, hope that's okay!)

 

Operational 'competence' is absolutely the key to safe and proficient chainsaw use BUT the regulators require certification to demonstrate this in the first instance.

 

Speak next week.

 

REgards..

Paul

[Island Lescure]

I am interested in any sort of credits from APL. If I need to do the NPTC 30/31 credits but not 38,39,40 or 41 or anything in between, it would be great.

 

I also found this at

 

A consumer's guide to arborist qualifications :: tree-care.info

 

which states under "A consumer's guide to arborist qualifications";

 

"ISA Certified Arborist

 

International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborists have a level of technical knowledge equivalent to about NQF level 2. The ISA Certified Arborist scheme differs from other qualifications in that it requires certified arborists to undertake ongoing education to keep their knowledge and

certification up to date."

 

Also under "Arborist accreditation schemes":

 

"ISA Certified Arborists

 

ISA Certified Arborist logoThe International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist programme seeks to assess the technical knowledge of individual arborists. Certified Arborists have passed an exam covering all aspects of tree care and are expected to maintain their knowledge up to date through continuous professional development.

 

Unlike the other schemes, which accredit companies, the ISA Certified Arborist scheme certifies individuals. The tree-care.info database is company based and includes companies if at least one of the principals or managers is a Certified Arborist. Although Certified Arborists are competent tree specialists, the status says nothing about a company's business practices."

 

sorry for the quotes, I just hope it adds some weight.

 

On another note, can I carry out work while supervized by a person with the required qualifications?

Cheers

[AA Teccie (Paul)]

I am interested in any sort of credits from APL. If I need to do the NPTC 30/31 credits but not 38,39,40 or 41 or anything in between, it would be great.

 

I also found this at

 

A consumer's guide to arborist qualifications :: tree-care.info

 

which states under "A consumer's guide to arborist qualifications";

 

"ISA Certified Arborist

 

International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborists have a level of technical knowledge equivalent to about NQF level 2. The ISA Certified Arborist scheme differs from other qualifications in that it requires certified arborists to undertake ongoing education to keep their knowledge and

certification up to date."

 

Also under "Arborist accreditation schemes":

 

"ISA Certified Arborists

 

ISA Certified Arborist logoThe International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist programme seeks to assess the technical knowledge of individual arborists. Certified Arborists have passed an exam covering all aspects of tree care and are expected to maintain their knowledge up to date through continuous professional development.

 

Unlike the other schemes, which accredit companies, the ISA Certified Arborist scheme certifies individuals. The tree-care.info database is company based and includes companies if at least one of the principals or managers is a Certified Arborist. Although Certified Arborists are competent tree specialists, the status says nothing about a company's business practices."

 

sorry for the quotes, I just hope it adds some weight.

 

On another note, can I carry out work while supervized by a person with the required qualifications?

Cheers

 

 

The brief regarding tree-care.info is principally promotimng the ISA CA as a 'good' qualification for someone to hold who is undertaking tree work operations including advice....unfortunately it doesn;t help your predicament I'm afraid.

 

In answer to your last question 'Yes' provided you are working under the DIRECT supervison of a competence certificate holder and you are 'in training'...hmmm!

 

Cheers n speak further next week.

Paul

[Island Lescure]

Alright, more support, here is the HSE leaflet labeled "Chainsaws at Work":

 

http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg317.pdf

 

‘All workers who use a chainsaw should be competent to do so. Before using a chainsaw to carry out work on or in a tree, a worker should have received appropriate training and obtained a relevant certificate of competence or national competence award, unless they are undergoing such training and are adequately supervised. However, in the agricultural sector, this requirement only applies to first-time users of a chainsaw.’

 

The ISA arborist certificate falls under national competence award(as understood by the training center) so I can work. I just need to make sure everyone is clear on this(insurance guys, employers and HSE). I hope this is it!

[Craig Johnson]

i wasnt aware the the isa cert arb had any chain saw training/certiication within its qualification?

[AA Teccie (Paul)]

Hi there, apologies for the delay in replying but I've only just heard back from NPTC.

 

The reply from Frances Hirst (HSE), email: [email protected], is that an NPTC certifciate would be required to work legally in the UK.

 

The advice from Steve Hewitt (NPTC), email: [email protected], is that your previous qualification and experience would count towards 'training', as accreditation for prior learning, but again that the NPTC certificate of competence (CoC) is required.

 

This confirms my understanding of the situation and I do not think they will accept ISA Cert. Arb. as evidence of a national competence award as there is no practical skills assessment involved...but by all means ask.

 

Best regards, and good luck!

 

Paul