Arboriculture and Countryside Courses at Capel Manor College
Head of School – Stuart Bonnet
Opportunities for employment in arboriculture (tree surgery), countryside and conservation work continue to expand. There is a steady and increasing demand for staff with practical skills and expertise to contribute to environmental management.
Capel Manor College offers first-rate training sites including our own gardens and farm in Enfield, Horsenden Farm in west London, nature reserves, country parks and private estates to practise skills and develop understanding.
Students benefit from regular field visits to a range of woodland, freshwater and grassland habitats, wildlife sites and urban greenspace.
Full-time provision for school leavers and for mature students returning to learning, and our programme of part-time day, apprenticeships, intensive and short courses provides specialist training and skills updating to rigorous industry standards.
Assessment of all of these qualifications is based on coursework more than examinations. Assessment for applicants is based on interview exploring interest, experience and ambitions. References are also taken up and screening tests conducted. The following entry requirements are given as guidelines.
See also
Arboriculture short courses
First Diploma in Countryside and Environment
This full-time course is designed for 16 - 19 year olds seeking entrance to the Arboriculture or Countryside industry. It aims to give students basic practical experience and foundation knowledge of the subject.
Progression
Successful students may progress to the National Award, Certificate or National Diploma in either Arboriculture or Countryside Management.
Entry Requirements
Enthusiasm and interest in arboriculture and/or countryside and environment; 3 x GCSE grades D to F or above, or Literacy Entry level 3/Key Skills Communication level 1/level 2 or on the basis of a school/college report.
Apprenticeships
Our new apprenticeship scheme (launched successfully in 2007) is open to employees of any age in the arboriculture industry. The training framework combines practical skills accredited with the NVQ with key skills for employability and progression. Apprentices usually attend college one day a week and work towards the award over a 12-18 month period.
Entry Requirements
GCSE grades D to F or above, distinction overall on level 1 skills courses or APL for mature students and employment.
Progression
Successful students may progress to National Award, National Certificate, National Diploma and ABC Certificate in Arboriculture taken on day release programmes from work.
BTEC Nationals (Awards, Certificates and Diplomas) in Arboriculture and in Countryside Management are highly regarded in the industry and in Higher Education. Each of the three qualifications carries a specified number of UCAS tariff points.
The Award is the equivalent of one A level, the Certificate 2 A levels, the Diploma 3 A levels. As with A levels, you’ll need independent study skills to be successful at Level 3.
National Certificate in Countryside Management
This course provides the knowledge and skills required for a career in countryside and estate management. Students may study either as full-time or part-time (2 days a week).
Progression
Progression could be to the second year of the National Diploma or into higher education, employment or further training in the industry.
Entry Requirements
4 GCSEs at grade C or higher including a science subject or a First Diploma with Distinction and key skills. Previous experience of conservation work is an advantage.
Accreditation of Prior Learning is available for mature students.
National Diploma in Countryside Management
A two-year full-time course that has a strong practical base covering the specialist knowledge required for a career countryside or nature reserve management.
Progression
Higher Education or employment in the industry.
Entry Requirements
4 GCSEs at C and above including a science, completion of the First Diploma to Distinction standard with Key Skills or Accreditation of Prior Learning for mature students. Entry direct to second year following successful completion of National Certificate.
National Certificate in Forestry and Arboriculture
The course is designed to prepare students with the knowledge and skills required for competent practical posts in the industry.
Progression
Progression could be to the second year of the National Diploma or ABC Technicians' Certificate in Arboriculture or into Higher Education, employment or further training in the industry.
Entry Requirements
4 GCSEs at Grade C or above including a science subject or a First Diploma to Distinction standard with Key Skills. Previous practical experience, an NVQ2 or equivalent in Horticulture or Arboriculture is an advantage. Accreditation of Prior learning is available for mature students.
National Diploma in Forestry and Arboriculture
The course offers the opportunity to become a knowledgeable arborist with the confidence and skills to take a responsible management post in the industry.
Progression
Higher Education or employment in the industry.
Entry Requirements
4 GCSEs at Grade C or above including a science subject or a First Diploma to Distinction standard with Key Skills. Previous practical experience, An NVQ2 or equivalent in Horticulture or Arboriculture is an advantage. Accreditation of Prior Learning is available for mature students.
Last updated: 25 January, 2010
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
