• Course Level:Level 2

    Course Duration:1 Year

    Programme Aims

    If you are physically fit, have a head for heights and enjoy the outdoor life then tree work may be the career for you! This one-year qualification will provide you with the skills and knowledge to enter tree surgery or a related career. The College is fortunate to have an arboretum, superb parkland trees, woodlands and orchards. Bicton College has a close working relationship with the RSPB, Aylesbeare and Clinton Devon Estates, a major landowner in East Devon, which allows students access to plantations to practice arboricultural and forestry operations.

     

    The programme is designed to train learners to become competent arborists, possessing a thorough knowledge of trees, their care and maintenance. Learners will have the opportunity to gain industry-recognised qualifications in addition to the Diploma.

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    Entry Requirements

    It is essential that your Initial Assessment results show that you are working towards Level 1. You will also need to have achieved one of the following:

    •  4 GCSEs at grades A–D, including English, Maths and Science
    •   GNVQ Intermediate
    •   NVQ Level 2
    •   BTEC First Diploma
    •   City and Guilds National Certificate or equivalent at Level 2 in a related subject

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    Course Structure

    The programme is delivered through lectures, practical work, guest speakers, site visits and field trips.

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    What you will study

    The programme will cover the following:
    • Chainsaw operation and maintenance
    • Financial records and IT
    • Functional skills (communication)
    • Health and Safety
    • Horticultural science
    • Pests and diseases
    • Principles of machinery
    • Safe working practices
    • Tree felling, climbing and aerial rescue
    • Tree identification, planting and maintenance
    • Woodland management
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    Assessment

    Students’ progress is monitored by a variety of assessment methods including: :
    • Multiple choice examination
    • Practical activities
    • Written assignments
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    Progression

    Successful learners may wish to progress to a Level 3 qualification such as the Level 3 Diploma in Forestry and Arboriculture (see page 50). Upon completion of the programme, students can seek employment in tree surgery, landscape gardening, estate work or with local councils.

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