Forestry or Arboriculture Apprenticeships
Introduction to the trade:
This apprenticeship is ideal for learners who wish to obtain qualifications whilst in employment and develop their careers within the forestry or arboriculture industry and combines lectures and project work with employment experience.
There is a strong demand for highly trained, educated and well motivated young people to enter the industry. There are hundreds of career opportunities in forestry and arboriculture. From the moment a tree seed is collected from the wild and sown in a tree nursery, right up to when the mature trees in a forest or woodland are felled, there are many inter-linked businesses involved in their establishment, management and harvesting. These all offer interesting and well-paid work options. Career opportunities are diverse including running your own forestry, contracting or arboriculture/tree surgery, contributing to efforts to tackle issues as varied as climate change and social exclusion, as well as conserving rare wildlife and producing sustainable timber.
As an apprentice, the nature of your work will depend on your employer. Working for a small company could mean you handle a wide range of responsibilities - alternatively, working for a large company might mean you have a more specialised role. Skills taught could include preparing sites, planting trees and providing appropriate protection and maintenance, operating a chainsaw, felling and harvesting material, processing timber and disposal of residues, maintaining machines and equipment used in forestry and arboriculture. You may also learn to climb, perform aerial rescue and operate a chainsaw from a rope and harness. Apprenticeships are a well-respected and recommended route into this sector. Read on to find out more...
What qualifications will I gain?
There are two levels of apprenticeship available, the Intermediate Level 2 and the Advanced Level 3. You would start with the Intermediate apprenticeship which takes 2 years to complete and can then progress to the level 3 if you wish.
Intermediate Apprenticeship (Level 2)
- Work based Diploma Level 2 in Work-based Trees and Timber (General Woodland and Forestry Tree work) - this is the competency part of the qualification and essential for you to achieve the full apprenticeship. This part shows that you are competent in performing the skill, trade or occupation your apprenticeship requires, enabling you to work and earn a decent wage.
- Additional employer requirements - additional certificates including Emergency First Aid and a Certificate of Competence in the operation of equipment appropriate to your area of work
- Functional Skills - Providing you with a good level of literacy and numeracy. Level 1 English, and Level 1 maths
Advanced Apprentice (Level 3)
- Work-based Diploma Level 3 in Work-based Trees and Timber (Option of 5 Pathways) - this is the competency part of the qualification and essential for you to achieve the full apprenticeship. This part shows that you are competent in performing the skill, trade or occupation your apprenticeship requires, reflecting a managerial (craft) occupation level having the key business skills that employers are looking for.
- Additional employer requirements - additional certificates including Emergency First Aid and a Certificate of Competence in the operation of equipment appropriate to your area of work
- Functional Skills - Level 2 English and Level 2 Maths
How will I be trained?
Apprenticeships are designed with the help of the employers in the industry, so they offer a structured programme that takes you through the skills you need to do a job well. There are targets and checks to make sure that your employer is supporting you and you are making progress.
As an employee you will be in employment for most of your time as most training takes place on the job. The rest takes place at HCT. You can complete this off-the-job training on day release or over a number of days in a block. All the things you study at college will be useful in your job and help you succeed in your future career. Your employment will usually be for at least 30 hours per week.
How will I be assessed?
Assessment will take place through practical training at college and work and via theory through a portfolio of evidence. Workplace mentoring and assessment is also provided by the college throughout the training period together with close employer consultation on work options and progress. College-based training is delivered through a combination of day and block release courses.
What are the entry requirements?
You need practical skills and should be able to demonstrate a keen interest in forestry or arboriculture. For the Advance Apprenticeship (Level 3) you will need to hold or aspire to a position of responsibility within the Forestry or Arboriculture Industry. Students must be in full time employment.
Competition for places with employers can be fierce, so you will need to show that you are committed, and aware of your responsibilities to both yourself and the company who would employ you. You also need to be happy to work as both part of a team and individually, and be able to use your own initiative.
Key Facts
Campus: Holme Lacy
Minimum Age: 16
Duration: An Intermediate Apprenticeship will take 2 years and an Advanced Apprenticeship will take an additional 18 months.
Typical Employment:
From the Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship opportunities may include; forestry worker for a contractor or harvesting company, estate worker, ranger, arboriculture ground worker or climber for a contractor, local authority, business or utility company.
From the Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship opportunities may include; forest officer, forest craftsman, forestry/estate foreman, harvesting contractor, tree officer, tree surgeon or arborist.
Further Study:
Level 3 Work-based Diploma or Extended Diploma - progressing to higher education such as an HNC/HND or Foundation Degree or Level 4 Forestry & Countryside Technical Skills qualification.
Contact: 0800 389 9805
busdev@hct.ac.uk
