What qualification

[Waspsandwich]

Hi,

Thought i would ask on here as im having trouble working out what qualification i should do and where.

Ive been tree cutting for the last decade and have a good selection of nptc units but ive decided the time has come to do some sort of academic qualification to move my career on, trouble os i am not sure what one i should go for as there seems so many.

Ideally i would like to move into something like tree or woodland officer or even woodland ranger, the main problem i have is i couldnt go full time it would have to be an online course or a series of short courses.

Anyone know of any course that would be suitable?

I did think of the rfs certificate/diploma but im not sure if that would take me where i wan to be

Cheers

[AA Teccie (Paul)]

Hi there, this might help...a little.

 

Further guide to qualifications and careers in arboriculture

 

The RFS Cert Arb, as was, now level 2 award, is a good platform to build from, as equally, the ISA Certified Arborist or EAC Tree Worker quals. are.

 

In part it depends if you have any academic quals perhaps at A level of above in related areas, i.e. countryside management / environmental science as these would likely satisfy access to the on-line Foundation Degree at level 5 which is available from several colleges.

 

OR you could look at the old Tech Cert, now level 4 award in ARB, with Treelife etc.

 

Good luck..

Paul

[Jasper FD]

There are a number of locations where you can enrol on the modular certificate in arb (level 4). Tree Life are expensive but have a good reputation. Warwickshire College is well worth looking at, the level 4 is just a few hours on a tuesday evening, which means you can continue to work. Might also be worth going on the basic tree inspection course too (run by the AA). I would thoroughly encourage you to go for it, we need more expeirenced arbs like you moving up through the ranks.

There seems to be a lot of academically well qualified tree officers out there who have never actually worked with trees, and that is a worrying state of affairs. How can anyone realistically carry out professional tree inspections, recommend sound and practical tree work specifications, prepare work contracts and deal with contractors if you've never spent any meaningful time working with trees?

[Jasper FD]

Woodland Management courses are also run by Small Woods | Bringing woodlands to life, and they are affordable and targeted. I would also highly recommend you join the RFS and AA.

[csservices]

Hi there, this might help...a little.

 

Further guide to qualifications and careers in arboriculture

 

The RFS Cert Arb, as was, now level 2 award, is a good platform to build from, as equally, the ISA Certified Arborist or EAC Tree Worker quals. are.

 

In part it depends if you have any academic quals perhaps at A level of above in related areas, i.e. countryside management / environmental science as these would likely satisfy access to the on-line Foundation Degree at level 5 which is available from several colleges.

 

OR you could look at the old Tech Cert, now level 4 award in ARB, with Treelife etc.

 

Good luck..

Paul

 

Just by coincidence been looking at RFS level 2, as I'm interested in progressing in some area of tree work, have worked in treework/forestry on and off over the years but only full time for the last year, I'm not the most academic person so just wondered how involved it is as its 20 years since I went to college