rcarolina

Justin have PM'd you re an order.

I too have given myself some minor ventilation with my Gomtaro. I nearly passed out though when I saw a numbnuts at work using it like hacksaw. I was just waiting for his jugular to burst forth. I have now hidden it from him.

What defenders did you go for Mozza? Are they the Sordin left/right jobbies?

Justin - can you get the Stein TC in Orange anymore?

Dean-O, You sound like my kind of boss - how about moving down south and setting up a new firm here?

Thanks for the replies guys. I didn't think without CS38 I'd be any use as a groundie? I have done quite a bit of woodland work, coppicing, small felling, snedding etc and I work hard but thought I needed the three tickets before anyone would consider me. Looks like Chichester College at the Brinsbury campus do some part time courses - anyone have any experience of this centre? Thanks.

Sorry if this question has been asked a million times. I currently work in horticulture but really want to pursue a career in arboriculture. However, I have managed to back myself into a corner where I simply can't afford to give up work to re-train. Is there such a thing as a part-time arb course that will give me a recognised qulaification as well as factor in prcatical qualifications? Plumpton do an intensive three month course all in, but I can't stop work for three months and I don't think my boss would be too chuffed giving me the time off to go and re-train only to leave on my return. Hadlow don't seem to do anything suitable either. I already have CS30/31 and a fair bit of experience of ground work and low level tree work. I know I really need to get CS38/39 as well as some classroom based training to be a serious contender - any help on this score would be much appreciated. I am E Sussex/Kent borders. P.S. Is the Silky Gomtaro the sharpest thing known to mankind?

Thanks for all the positive vibes everyone. I wasn't really thinking about taking the two climbing courses with a view to starting up my own team or even becoming a dedicated climber. I would be happy to start off on the ground with a good firm - I just thought that having 38&39 were pretty much prerequities for getting started in the arb industry. I realise that experience is key and although I am happy and (to my mind) safe and proficient on the ground with a saw, I do realise that its a different kettle of worms working aloft. Still, everyone has to start somewhere and I think we all deserve a second bite of the cherry if our first career choice turns out pants. I'm waiting on Plumpton now to give me the next availbale date for CS38. By the way - I read an article in Horticulture Magazine the other week about the use of MEWP's and one of the arb experts said that he thought climbing would eventually be a rare commodity as most work will be done by MEWP - what are people's thoughts on that? Should I then be thinking about MEWP training rather than climbing? Do all utility arborists have to have climbing tickets and MEWP tickets? Just a few things to ponder, if like me you are trying to get out of doing the gardening at home. rc

Evening all. I'm new to the forum so be gentle with me. Without boring you with a long drawn out life story - the synopsis is this. Grew up in London with a love for the countryside. Wanted to be a forest ranger - got a knock back from crap careers teachers and ended up 19 years in a city job (facilities). Almost imploded and eventually left to go to uni to study history. Came out of that and started to do some gardening work - eventually leading to a full time job as senior gardener for a private estate (still there). During this time rediscovered a desire to work in, up, around and on trees. Have completed an NVQ2 in Env Consv and have CS30,31 and brushcutter tickets. Was never really determined to go into horticulture but have been a bit railroaded so to speak. In order to progress and to break away from current role I am thinking about doing the CS38/CS39 modules with a view to starting in arboricuture. Yep - I know I've left it late, my old dad always told me that I needed to get my finger out - well I have, albeit 20 years late. I'm 42 in a few weeks but I am physically fit, walk miles everyday in my job and when walking my skinny dog. I am a bit of a racing snake and have no excess baggage. I don't smoke, drink in moderation and don't interfere with myself too much. My question after all that is do you think I've missed the boat? Are there many of you at a similar age actively climbing and does it really hurt as much as people make out? I am really determined to make this my second career and I have compromised a lot to get where I am now. I would see continuing to work on the practical side for at least another five years before maybe going into a more managerial role. It's really not about the money for me - it's about enjoying a working life and taking control. I need to do this soon as the clock is ticking surprisingly fast these days. Any views, comments or horror stories most welcome. rc

I have CS30/31 and am looking to move into arb work from a horticulure background. I am in E Sussex close to Kent border - can you give me more details?