Arboriculture

Assessment

This course is designed for students who wish to develop the core practical skills and knowledge to seek employment in the Arboriculture industry. It will prepare you for entry into a practical employment position within the industry, alternatively it provides an ideal progression route to higher education. Assessment of technical qualifications is a mixture of internal practical assessment of skills conducted by the teaching team, internal written assignments marked by the teaching team, an externally set synoptic examination that combines the knowledge and practical skills of all of the mandatory units, an external online exam that combines the knowledge of all mandatory units and an online health and safety exam. The assessments and exams are spread throughout the two years. Students will also receive training and assessment in a range of additional qualifications, which will enhance their employability. During the course students will gain a combination of both academic knowledge and practical skills such as the identification, planting and establishment of trees and shrubs; understanding of the health and safety legislation; foundation knowledge in plant and soil science along with tree and shrub pruning skills. You will gain practical skills in using and maintaining arboricultural equipment including chainsaws (2 stroke and Electric), hand saws, climbing equipment and additional land based machinery. Additional Qualifications- NPTC Certification. As part of the course you will be given the option to sit NPTC assessments to demonstrate your competency in use and maintenance of chainsaws; using a rope and harness to access and move around the canopy of a tree and felling trees safely using a chainsaw.