AA Teccie (Paul)

Hi all, Lotsa 'VIEWS' but no 'additional' bookings...so far! I wonder if I took out the 'ARB Approved Contractor' words and replace it with 'ARB Compliance and Standards' Workshop whether we'd get a better take up Obviously we do spend time looking at the scheme and whats involved / required BUT we also cover other stuff applicable to ALL, 'like it or not', involved in arb contracting. It's due to snow heavy in N. London on 6th Feb so if you're in that area come spend a day with me instead Cheers.. Paul

Sounds to me like either: 1. A Lantra Awards ITA (integrated training and assessment) certificate, which usually says expires after 5 years, or 3 maybe, in effect forcing the refresher training issue (principally issued to semi-professional chainsaw users), or 2. A certificate of training usually leading to the NPTC (as was) assessment, again usually expires after 5 years. Either way, as Stewart says to both bring you 'up-to-date' and meet current insurance and compliance standards, you'd be best off renewing this certificate under the new regime, i.e. with either Lantra of C&G/NPTC. Cheers.. Paul

Steve, with a tree business name like that you should be 'ARB Approved' by the 'Teccie' Welcome and congrats on entering a life changing forum, no longer will you havbe to work in splendid isolation as too many do. There's loadsa good stuff on here so sit back n enjoy! Cheers.. Paul

Hi all, We are running a Pest & Disease Seminar, sponsored by the FC, at Myerscough College on Wed. 6th Feb. The event is 'free of charge' and hence places are limited and will be serviced on a "first come first served basis" so early booking is essential. See 'flyer' below and you MUST use the course booking form attached. Cheers all.. Paul aa_training_booking_form_141212.pdf FC-PD-EventFlyer-A4.pdf

Previous looking into this revealed an exemption where the driving is 'incidental' to the main work activity, hence (in most cases other than perhaps timber haulage) its largely N/A was my conclusion. Cheers.. Paul

Simon, much as i'd love it to be on the AA webiste, it's on the ISA's (the International Society of Arboriculture.) Best get that right if you wnat to pass the exam

Excellent, a big, big commitment...well done and I know it will serve you well. Good luck for the rest

Hi SImon, I did the study guide many years ago and it was excellent, I struggled atthe time to access the exam so let it lapse...sadly! See International Society of Arboriculture and I'm sure others will tell you more. Cheers.. Paul

Hmmm, an interesting post. An analogy for just passing your NPTCs would be your driving test, just passed. Would you jump in your car, fully loaded and drive during all weathers up to Scotland for instance? (Doubtless many will say "YES" done that!) Maybe 'newbies' shoudl ahve a green 'P' sign attached to their harnesses NPTCs are useful as a basic skill benchmark, ISA / RFS arb knowledge is great, (good) experience (prob. min. 3-5 years) is very important and all 3 combined = the arborist (my take, others may / WILL differ...coz it;s me ). Take it steady and work safe...with the right people (but sometimes you have to work with the wrong people to judge who are the right people ) Cheers.. Paul

Yup, as 'Treequip' has said it's prob the ISA Certified Arborist course you're looking for which is 'self-study'...n bloomin good too! Enjoy.. Paul

Hey Rob, hope you're well. Tis now the Level 4 Arb and either a certificate or a diploma dependent how many credits you study, i.e. to get the diploma you have to study a broader range of subjects (I believe.) The 'AA Tech Cert', as was, is no more Cheers.. Paul

I agree, in principle as this was always the 'stumbling block' as a previous mandatory unit, BUT I think it's a real shame it's not include as an 'optional' as some assessors still cover it (I believe). We require standard tree planting as a mandatroy skill for ARB Approved and it still surprises me how often there are problems. Cheers.. Paul

Hi all, If you're looking for a way to "stand out from the crowd", and/or to "better position" your business to access commercial contracts, then ARB Approved Contractor status may be the way forward (there, 'sales pitch' over ) Just a quick 'heads up' about the forthcoming ARB Approved Contractor Workshop (ArbAC) at Capel Manor on Wed. 6th Feb. (Unfortunately, this workshop does attract a £50 (+VAT) delegate fee but this is refundable on applying for assessment.) The day is classed as a CPD event, as we cover much regulatory and industry H&S practice stuff etc. and hence a certificate of attendance is provided. REMEMBER, please, that the ArbAC standard sets a benchmark for arboricultural contracting, which is acknowledged by HSE, and hence all businesses whether aspiring to ArbAC or not should be familiar. In other words the workshop is open to all because it's applicable to all. IF you wish to attend, and I'd really look forward to meeting you, please see AA Approved Contractor Preparation Workshop ? Training and complete the booking form below. Many thanks all.. Paul aa_training_booking_form_141212.pdf

Hi Badger, The question from Jaime was prinicaplly aimed at 'members' as opposed to 'arb approved contractors' but still very relevant. I'm really sorry, and to be honest equally 'really surprised', you had correspondence problems with us as Mel(anie) who admins the scheme is always very good and prompt with enquiries. I can only presume for some reason yours fell between the cracks and again I am sorry for that (more likely to be my non-action than Mel's in all honesty.) I'm glad to hear you're busier than ever, that speask volumes about you and the business, but I'd be really intersted to hear more about your research, i.e. how / where / when / who etc. so if you get 5 please give me a call (07971 995351) or 'pm' me. Thanks in anticpation. Cheers.. Paul

Hi all, hope you're well. Just a quick 'heads up' on this one, which will take place at Askham Bryan College (York), as I've had a few enquiries about the NW workshop from NE based contractors and this one's probably easier for many of you. Will post more later. Cheers all n have a good weekend. Paul

U18s require a specific risk assessment (see HSE INDG 317 below). Also Employers Liability Insurance would be required. Cheers.. Paul indg317.pdf

VENUE CHANGE: Myerscough College. Still places available so please do get in touch ASAP! Thanks all.. Paul

Hi Tim, thanks for the post and indeed for joining me on the day, the pleasure was mine (partly influenced by your chosen 'biccies' contribution ) I'm also glad to hear you found the day useful and informative. As we discussed, many arborists, undertaking good quality work on a day-to-day basis, often work in splendid isolation unaware of specific H&S / industry good practice etc. issues. The workshop provides an opportunity to be updated on some of these issues. Regarding your concern about the 'arb qualification' issue, or rather the fact you don't have to have one to be arb approved, this is historic in some respects and something we review at each annual technicial standards day. The scheme has always sought to place more emphasis on knowledge and skills / competence, as imparted verbally and demonstrated practically on the assessment day, than on associated 'paper' qualifications (albeit some, i.e. certain NPTCs etc. are required) and also it comes from an era when arb quals weren't as readily available and accessible as they are these days, and many good, knowledgeable, contractors didn't have them. Please don't think we don't recognise arb quals, as we absolutely do and always take the opportunity to promote and encourage attainment if they are not in place (particularly, for instance, the ISA Cert. Arb. qualification or AA Tech Cert Arb...both 'as was/were' and now level 2 / level 4 arb of course) but we don't feel not having one should preclude access to the scheme. This may indeed change in the future, i.e. a min. level 2 arb qualification may become a manager 'pre-requisite', but for the time being it is something we will continue to encourage and promote. Happy to receive your further thoughts, and/or indeed anyone elses. Thanks for raising it Tim and again for your time in attending the workshop. Best regards.. Paul

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

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

LAST CALL...almost, for the workshop next Tues. 8th at Royal Highland Showground, nr. Edinburgh Airport. Certainly 5pm tomorrow (Friday 5th Jan.) PLEASE let me know ASAP if you're gonna come along for the 'tea n biccies' or as an active delegate with a supporting Tree Officer nomination. Cheers, n hoping to see you there Paul

I've always assumed it was just the downside of 'hybrid vigour', could be wrong tho. Just 'Googgled' geocaching ...I'd be careful hiding stuff down in stumps partic on street trees as other things may have been discarded, i.e. 'sharps' (I know, I know, once a H&S bod always a H&S bod ) Cheers.. Paul PS We used to apply maleic hydrazide (Burtulin), a hormone I think, whihc was effective at reducing, not stopping, epics, trouble was if you missed a year they exploded (it's banned now.)

Just to highlight to NW based contractors who may not have seen the original post. Thanks.. Paul