KitK

For those interested in correspondence courses inRFS level 2 CERT ARb, myerscough and HCC are runnign this and here is a summary of what I have found HCC - up to 18 month £320 plus exams in centres over the UK, tutor contract by email only Myerscough - 12 months £440 plus exams, tutor contact by email and sometimes by phone, but also a student forum

I would love to but they are unlikely to run the course part time this year - I spoke to STUART BONNET when i was looking into the ND and he said he couldnt tell me if part time would run his year. I think most tutors are stressed out as they have to re write their syllabus due to the new standards imposed on vocational courses. Hence why I am looking at level 2 RFS correspondence courses. Unless you knwo otherwise?.....

That seemed to spark quite abit of banter didn't it.......? I will prob have to do the correspodence course and asI like to get hands on too, I will do some work experience along with the voluntary work i am already set to do. Will need to find someone willing to allow me to shadow them.... Its a choice between HCC and Myerscough..seems like hcc you can never speak to a tutor, but myerscough you can? Any one have experience with tutors from either? A course is only as good as the teacher that teaches it and the ability of the student to be taught, I reackon......

Good advice. The ND seems to be a 2 year full time, whereas the RFS level 2 or Tech cert level 3 are part time for a year each which I can manage while working - I gotta be able to eat right? Seems like a part time course for a year may give me an idea if arb is the way to go. Unless anyone knows of a centre that offers ND part time - or a place a bit closer than merrist wood to do the RFS level 2 part time...or may i have to do the correspondence course otherwise....the plot thickens....

Thanks for all your help - I am still trying to determine the level I should aim for (degree level is too high) which is all dependent on where the courses are offered on a part time basis - as I prefer college rather than correspondence. I would also be looking to get some voluntary experience. Does any one have any suggestions for colleges within driving distance of london for any of the followng options: 1) RFS (level2) Cert in Arb 2) Level 3 National Diploma (BTEC) (Capel Manor only full time this year) 3) Level 3 Technical Cert in Arb (the last year its on offer in Tree Life-Harlow-Essex) (N.B. Some tutors are very encouraging to take the tech cert, but others feel i should start off at the other courses.) Thanks in advance Kitk

Thanks. I will be looking to get work experience while I am studying. Would diploma level be sufficient for this path?

I am new to this game and would love to come into the industry, but need to gain the practical and theoretical skills in this field. I have started looking into various routes of study and love the base at Capel Manor, but feel that their courses are more aimed at Tree Surgeons, rather than Tree Officers. There is the technicians certificate in arboriculture or higher ed. qual of FSCS Foundation Degree (avail in ,myerscough as online courses). Does anyone have any advice on what course is most applicaple to this field of work? Your experienced advice would be helpful