Course overview
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.
