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 in the industry for competent operatives and more employers are insisting on qualified staff.

Two separate courses are run.

The Course
The length of the course is 18 weeks for 2 days per week or 12 weeks for 3 days per week, Autumn and Spring terms.

Course 1 (18 weeks): September - February
Course 2 (12 weeks): November - February
Course 3 (12 weeks): March - June

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 on the College website

Training and Assessment methods
Training will be carried out by fully qualified staff who have many years experience. Practical work will be carried out on public and private sites nearby, 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) Level 2 Certificate in Arboriculture. Students will have the opportunity to build a portfolio of evidence towards the NVQ Level 2 Arboriculture and City & Guilds Practical Skills Test Certificate.

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.

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 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.

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

Venue
The course takes place at Capel Manor's campus at Crystal Palace, Lewisham. Much of the practical work will be done on a range of woodland and countryside sites close to Crystal Palace. We pride ourselves in performing 'real life' arboricultural tasks working in conjunction with local authorities and private individuals and companies. This gives first hand experience of the industry. Students have access to the full workshop, library and IT facilities at the College's main Enfield campus.

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