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Forestry and Arboriculture (Arboriculture)
(Edexcel) BTEC National Certificate
Full-time or Part-time
at Capel Manor, Enfield
The aim of this 1 or 2 year course is to produce competent arboricultural professionals who will be equipped with the knowledge and skills required to take up responsible posts in the industry, in such areas as urban amenity forestry and arboriculture.
The Course
The 12-unit BTEC National Certificate provides a specialist work-related programme of study that covers the key knowledge and practical skills required in the sector and also offers different emphasis through the choice of specialist units. It is broadly equivalent to two A-levels or the full award AVCE.
The qualification offers an engaging programme for 16-19 year olds who are clear about the area of employment that they wish to enter. Such learners may wish to extend their programme through the study of a related GCE A-level or other qualification in the vocational sector or individual NVQ units.
For adult learners the BTEC National Certificate offers a specialist work-related qualification to confirm and extend their work experience if they are or have been employed in the sector. It also provides a suitable qualification for those wishing to change career or move into a particular area of employment following a career break.
The BTEC National Certificate in Forestry and Arboriculture provides the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills for those in the area of Forestry and Arboriculture. It also provides a progression route to higher education vocational qualifications such as BTEC Higher Nationals in Forestry or a part-time degree in Forestry and Forestry Management.
Attendance is 4 days per week and will enable completion in one year. Days of attendance are dependent on order of units studied.
Course Content
- Principles of plant and soil science
- Arboriculture - tree identification, planting and care
- Tree pests and diseases
- Tree felling and chainsaw use
- Business management for land based industries
- Land based machinery operations
- Arboriculture – tree climbing, pruning and care
- Tree surveys and reports
- Tree biology
- Forest and woodland skills
- Investigative project in the arboriculture industry
- Silvicultural techniques and practices
Full details of the content of these units are available on the Edexcel website: edexcel.org.uk/qualifications and select BTEC Nationals – Land Based, followed by course title.
Entry Requirements
You are welcome to visit the College to discuss with the course tutor a study programme which will help towards your intended career. All students are assessed on an individual basis but the normal entry requirement is either
- Intermediate Level GNVQ
- Edexcel First Diploma to a merit level
- 4 GCSE passes at grade A – C, including English and one science subject
- Other qualifications of equivalent standard
- Relevant experience or Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) in Arboriculture
- NVQ Level 2 or City & Guilds Phase 2 award in Arboriculture or Horticulture.
NB Students attending this course will need to equip themselves with some text books, chainsaw boots and gloves, a pruning saw and items of maintenance equipment to take part in the course. These will not be needed at the beginning of the course and details of purchase will be available on enrolment. All other Personal Protective Equipment can be provided by the College.
Training and Assessment Methods
Your training will include:
- practical skills
- an emphasis on interpersonal and communication key skills, important for working as part of a team and with the general public
- visits to a variety of contrasting woodland, arboreta, nature reserves, country parks and urban greenspace sites
- an appreciation of business, financial and IT skills and how they relate to the environment and the industry
- working in ‘real life’ situations including our 75 ha organic farm
- a broad understanding and awareness of environmental issues that will be of value throughout your life.
You will be assessed through practical and/or written assignments and end of unit tests throughout the course. Your work will be marked at Distinction, Merit or Pass grades. There is no end of course examination; however two units, Business Management and Specialist Project Study will be externally assessed by an Integrated Vocational Assessment (IVA).
All practical subjects will be taught in line with standards required for National Proficiency Test Council assessments. NPTC assessments are not part of this course, but are often sought by potential employers. Students who wish to apply to the NPTC for these assessments will be advised by their trainers as to their suitability to undertake these tests.
Qualifications Gained
Success on this course results in the nationally recognised qualification of a National Certificate in Forestry and Arboriculture (Arboriculture).
There is the opportunity to gain additional qualifications eg LANTRA or NPTC Chainsaw Certificate or First Aid, for which an additional fee will be charged.
Students under 19 years of age will also be entered for Key Skills exams and older students will have the opportunity to do so.
Progression
Success in this course should enable progression into the industry.
An additional year’s study (6 units) including work placement will enable you to gain a National Diploma based on accreditation of the work covered for the National Certificate.
Venue and Facilities
This course takes place at Capel Manor's main campus in Bullsmoor Lane, Enfield. The main college site is an 18th century manor house situated within 12 ha of estate, which is open to the public. The core units will be studied in and around the house and gardens.
Practical sessions are carried out on our own farm and at a range of amenity woodland and countryside sites within Hertfordshire and Essex.
We pride ourselves in performing ‘real life’ arboricultural tasks working on projects with the Lee Valley Regional Park, local Wildlife Trusts and private landowners, which gives first hand experience of the industry.
Fees
Please refer to the College prospectus
Working in the Arboricultural Industry
Tree companies are often small private firms, although there are some larger ones operating regionally or nationally or on contract to local authorities. There is a high demand for skilled, knowledgeable and well trained staff in this industry. Each year companies regularly mail the College with their employment vacancies.
Many local authorities employ tree surveyors on a contract basis and will have arboriculturally qualified personnel in management or supervisory positions in Parks, Leisure or Planning departments. Many country parks require personnel with practical tree knowledge and the ability to relate to the public and fulfil a variety of roles.
The industry nationwide employs approximately 10,000 people and there are opportunities to work in Europe, the USA, Australasia and Japan.
Web ref: 200448_NC_arb
Last updated:
18 November, 2007
For further information and how to apply please contact
the Student Registry at:
Capel Manor College
Bullsmoor Lane, Enfield, Middlesex EN1 4RQ
Tel: 08456 122 122
