This course provides an ideal foundation for those who wish to become competent in the industry. It contains practical skills with background theory. Career prospects are good; there is a regular demand from the industry for competent operatives and more employers are insisting on qualified staff.

The Course
The length of the course is 36 weeks attending on one day per week, from September to June. The emphasis is on practical skills and is suitable for novices as well as unqualified operatives in the industry.

Course Content
The topic areas covered over the period of study include:

Unit A Ensure your own actions reduce risks to health and safety
Unit B Support arboricultural operations
Unit C Dispose of residues from treework operations
Unit D Maintain plants outdoors
Unit E Plant trees
Unit F Carry out off ground arboriculture operations
Unit G Treat and dispose of stumps
Unit H Fell and sned trees motor manually

Full details of the course syllabus can be found here

Entry Requirements
There are no formal entry requirements but an ability to work at heights and use machinery is essential. Each prospective student is provided with guidance prior to enrolment.

Relevant work experience is desirable but not essential. You are encouraged to seek full-time or part-time employment during the course or undertake voluntary work experience to help ensure adequate practice in climbing and chainsaw use.

NB Students attending this course will need to purchase chainsaw boots, gloves and several 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 Assessments Methods
Training will be carried out by fully qualified staff who have many years experience. Practical work will be carried out on the Capel Estate, Forty Hall Farm, and on public and private sites, making a positive contribution to tree management. Assessment is by 12 practical skills tests undertaken throughout the course and a final 2 hour written exam.

Qualifications Gained
Success in this course leads to a City & Guilds (0220) Phase 2 Certificate in Arboriculture. Students will have the opportunity to build a portfolio of evidence towards a City & Guilds Practical Skills Test Certificate. Some may choose to study the ABC Certificate in Arboriculture (formerly RFS Certificate) which is complementary to this qualification and provides additional theoretical knowledge.

All practical subjects will be taught by LANTRA registered trainers 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.

Progression
Students may progress to the ABC Certificate in Arboriculture, National Award or Certificate in Arboriculture, or enter directly into employment.

Venue and Facilities
The course takes place at Capel Manor's main campus in Bullsmoor Lane, Enfield, an 18th century manor house set in 30 acres of gardens.

Practical tasks are carried out on our 75 hectare farm and at a range of woodland sites within Hertfordshire and Essex. Transport is provided to and from practical worksites.

Dedicated arboricultural workshops and well equipped classrooms, library and IT facilities assist knowledge based learning and understanding.

We pride ourselves in performing 'real life' arboricultural tasks working with private landowners, local authorities and large estates, which gives first hand experience of the industry.

Working Opportunities
Over the past 10 years the opportunities for working in arboriculture have increased considerably. Advances in health and safety legislation has meant that employers require skilled operatives who have underpinning knowledge of the industry. There is currently a demand for ground staff and climbers and many of our students progress into employment or further training. There are opportunities for supervisors and managers enabling good career progression, both in the UK and abroad.

Fees

	Day	Start Date	Course Time	19+ Annual Tuition Fee	19+ Reg Fee	Length
	M	Sept	9am-4pm	£355	£65	1 year
	W	Sept	9am-4pm	£355	£65	1 year

Please note that exam fees may be subject to change by the awarding bodies

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