What next?

[Flint]

Hi all,

 

I'm a new Forestry graduate who's sick of the books, & looking to get more hands-on work in the big wide yonder.

I've got my CS30/31 (+1st aid certs & all PPE) and am doing some part-time felling/groundwork at present, but looking at going into arb full time (job offers welcome!)

 

Is there any course or training in particular that you'd consider a must for new starts to the industry?

[AA Teccie (Paul)]

Hi there,

 

'Suggestions' which may make you more employable:

 

1. Driving Licence B+E

2. First Aid (Emergency 1 day, or 3 day)

3. Chipper ticket

4. (NRSWA 1991) Signing, lighting, and guarding at roadworks -operative or supervisor

5. CS32 (as was)

 

Perhaps try for some voluntary work, conservation volunteers / wildlife trusts, and/or offer your services FoC to assist in gaining some experience.

 

AS I say, just some suggestions.

 

'Good luck'..

Paul

[Flint]

Brilliant, thanks for the suggestions Paul!

 

My driving test is coming up shortly, so fingers crossed on that front.

I'm currently volunteering with Scottish Natural Heritage, and have been gaining conservation/saw experience for the past 4 months or so with them- great fun, but looking to go into something with a wage now!

 

I've been with the Red Cross & Scottish Ambulance Service for the past 4 years, so I've got more first aid tickets than a man should ever need!

 

The chipper ticket was one I'd been looking at- is there any course in particular that's considered better than others? (Lantra/NPTC?)

 

I'd also looked at doing my CS38- would that be something worthwhile at this stage, or would it be better to stick with the CS32 & chipper courses to start with?

 

Cheers for the help!

 

Ben

[AA Teccie (Paul)]

Brilliant, thanks for the suggestions Paul!

 

My driving test is coming up shortly, so fingers crossed on that front.

I'm currently volunteering with Scottish Natural Heritage, and have been gaining conservation/saw experience for the past 4 months or so with them- great fun, but looking to go into something with a wage now!

 

I've been with the Red Cross & Scottish Ambulance Service for the past 4 years, so I've got more first aid tickets than a man should ever need!

 

The chipper ticket was one I'd been looking at- is there any course in particular that's considered better than others? (Lantra/NPTC?)

 

I'd also looked at doing my CS38- would that be something worthwhile at this stage, or would it be better to stick with the CS32 & chipper courses to start with?

 

Cheers for the help!

 

Ben

 

Hi Ben,

 

CS32 & chipper or CS38 really all depends on whether you see yourself progressing on the ground or in the tree, either option potentially gives opportunities, although many would say 'go aerial', and is down to you to choose.

 

The 'chipper ticket' option, ideally, is either Lantra Awards or NPTC as both are to national standards and easy to evidence (unlike chainsaws you don't need a "certificate of competence / licence to practice" so either is fine). Many choose just to do the NPTC chipper 'test' to reduce time and cost but the Lantra course is only 1 day anyway so maybe not too much in it.

 

Cheers..

Paul