Level 6 Diploma In Arboriculture (ABC) Industry Rejection???

[hokum93]

Hello Arbtalkers,

I am seriously concerned about the validity of the Level 6 Diploma In Arboriculture (ABC). I gained this new qualification in June this year after 2 years hard study producing a portfolio of over 130,000 words. I was under the impression that this qualification was a revised version of the old Pro Dip Arb that it would would carry an equal weight within the industry. Over the past couple of weeks I am starting to get feedback that The Chartered Institute of Foresters and The RFS are downgrading their recognition of this qualification. Does anyone 'in the know' have any feedback on the validity of the qualification and how the industry view it?

[Gary Prentice]

We're back in class on friday, I'll ask. I'm sure David Dowson will be up to date with whats going on. I can't see it personally, as there is a lot more involved in gaining it than the RFS Prof Dip in its original form.

[hokum93]

From talking to the Chartered Institute of Foresters at the APF, those who already have the L6 will get 4 points towards professional membership, those currently taking L6 will only get 3 points. The RFS used to endorse the L6 on their website, they have now redesigned their website and have their own qualifications with ABC and although they mention the L4 diploma they have ommited the L6 altogether. Feel free to tell Dave that this info comes from Percy, he was ev for Warwickshire College before all sorts of complications started. Thanks for looking into this.

[Marula]

Id like to know about this too.

[tree79]

what other l6 course could you take instead?

price wise compared to a degree (online) its much cheaper and a shorter time scale.

but before I decide on which one, be keen to so the outcome for this thread

[Marula]

It's the same length as the meyerscough foundation degree. The l6 is hard going, make no mistake its two years of serious dedication. I have friends doing degrees in uni who seemed to have a lot less work than I did.

[AA Teccie (Paul)]

Hmmm, not wholly sure why but I think that it may be something to do with the number of 'credits' involved which are essentially the building blocks of the qualifications registered on the new Quals. and Credits Framework (QCF.)

 

Essentially whilst both the 'ABC award' and the BSc are at level 6, and both have enough credits to register them as 'Diploma', the ABC is 60 credits and the BSc is 360...hence a significant difference in favour of the BSc.

 

Now, this is the world of academia and professional membership / charter-ship, the world of employment may take a different view.

 

The AA Prof. Member, and onto Fellowship after 5 years, will happily accept ABC level 6 qualification.

 

Hope this helps...at least a little.

 

Thanks..

Paul

[Marula]

That does make sense, I would however like to know how there is such a difference in credits. The level 6 is a ridiculous amount of work and its structure makes it tough going while working.

[Marula]

Besides the level 6 what other route is there for people wanting to take arboriculture to the top?

[AA Teccie (Paul)]

That does make sense, I would however like to know how there is such a difference in credits. The level 6 is a ridiculous amount of work and its structure makes it tough going while working.

 

Sorry, I can't advise any further you would need to speak to Dave Dowson (who I believe has convinced ICF to rescind there decision, at least for the time being.)

 

Cheers..

Paul