Practical Horticulture Skills City & Guilds Award Level 1 (Grow your Own)

Future careers to take centre stage at college open day

22nd October 2021

Year 11 pupils from across the south west are being invited to explore a world of opportunities at a top rural college during the first open event of the term next month. 

Read article

Sustainability tops college timetable during week-long eco conference

12th April 2021

A leading local college is renewing its focus on sustainability by hosting many of Cornwall’s most influential voices from the environmental movement in a series of talks and workshops. 

Read article

Award In Felling Trees Up To 380mm

Level 2 • Part-time • Powderham Castle

Please note – Full payment for this course must be made at least two weeks before enrolment. The Level 2 Award in Felling Trees up to 380mm takes places over 5 days. The first 4 days consist of training and assessment is on the 5th day. Applicants must be over 16 years of age and hold a valid NPTC Certificate of Competence: CS30 Chainsaw Maintenance. Proof of pre-qualifications must be emailed/posted to the college before the course start date as evidence. Other awarding body qualifications must be submitted to check if they are compatible with this NPTC course. During this course, you will study the following – Organisation Preparation of the work site Risk assessment Assessment of felling direction Controlled felling techniques Systematic and efficient de-limbing techniques Correct lifting techniques and techniques in safe take down of hung-up trees This course runs every month, please contact us for information on dates and times.

View course

City & Guilds Award in Practical Horticulture – Sustainable Food Growing

Level 1 • Part-time • Powderham Castle

This Level 1 course will take place at Plotgate Community Farm, on the edge of the Somerset levels near Glastonbury. With practical learning and assessments through seasonal activities and weather conditions, it is a great introduction for those who want to grow on any scale, whether it is a small patio garden, an allotment or on a larger peice of land. Plotgate Community Farm www.plotgatecommunityfarm.org is a co-operative, in the hands of its members, committed to truly sustainable food produced with a spirit of low-carbon innovation all year round.

View course

Arborist Apprenticeship Standard (Tree Surgery)

Level 2 • Work-based • Powderham Castle

The arboriculture industry manages trees for their benefits and values in diverse urban and rural locations from city parks and urban woodlands, to country estates and private gardens. The industry manages trees adjacent to highways, railways, watercourses and power lines. An arborist may progress to undertake inspections and surveys of individual and woodland trees, advising landowners on how to care for their trees, or teaching others about the benefits of carefully managing trees. The work of an arborist involves diverse activities such as chainsaw work, aerial tree work, pruning, dismantling and using appropriate machinery such as brushwood chippers. Arborists can work for local authorities, private companies and many are also self-employed. Tree work can be physically demanding and involves working outdoors in all weathers. While learning the practical side of arboriculture with your employer, you will also be required to attend college on a block release programme. While studying at Bicton College you can take advantage of the College’s estate, which houses an arboretum with veteran and specimen trees, machinery workshops, over 200 acres of extensive parklands and lots of opportunities for you to develop your arboriculture skills. Do you live far from the college? No problem! Accommodation is available on site! Prior to end point assessment you will need to achieve these qualifications: *Traffic Management (NRSWA Unit 002 Signing, Lighting and Guarding) * Safe Use of Brushwood Chipper * Chainsaw Maintenance &Crosscutting Timber Using a Chainsaw * Felling & Processing Timber up to 380mm * Safe Use of Mobile Elevated Work Platform * Accessing a Tree Using Rope & Harness * Aerial Tree Rescue Operations * Use of a Chainsaw from a Mobile Elevated Work Platform (MEWP) * Emergency First Aid * Aerial Cutting Using Free Fall Techniques * All the above are included in the apprenticeship.

View course