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City & Guilds Level 2 Technical Certificate in Arboriculture

About the course

Myerscough College offers you this level 2 study programme to provide you with a comprehensive introduction to arboriculture alongside other relevant qualifications and a work experience package. It is extremely popular with school leavers who wish to combine a practical based training programme with sound theoretical knowledge. The course is designed to give you a broad understanding of arboriculture, with a view to progressing to our Level 3 Technical Certificate course, or to start work in the industry.

So why chose Myerscough? In our Preston centre, we have the purpose built National Arboriculture Centre which houses a purpose built indoor climbing room and chainsaw workshop. Both Preston and Liverpool centres are stocked with all major manufacture chainsaws including Stihl; Husqvarna; Echo including both petrol and electric chainsaws.

Located at our Preston site is an arboretum featuring the national collection of Aesculus.sp (Horse Chestnut) trees and an adjacent Pinetum which contains two magnificent examples of Giant Redwood amongst other coniferous trees.

Our Croxteth, Liverpool Centre comprises 500 acres of Country Park including 200 acres of woodland designated as a Local Nature Reserve. There are many mature and unusual tree specimens throughout the estate which are of great Arboricultural and historical interest. Further information can be found at http://www.myerscough.ac.uk/

Course modules

Year 1

Tree and Woodland Management

The purpose of this unit is for learners to understand tree and woodland management and the importance of identifying and working towards specific planned objectives. Learners will identify objectives, carry out a site survey to gather data, which will allow them to identify and prioritise works. They will plan and undertake aerial and ground based operations in order to complete work and produce timber products.

Tools and Equipment

The purpose of this unit is for learners to gain a working knowledge of the purpose and operation of hand tools and equipment commonly used in forestry and arboriculture. Learners will understand the application and maintenance of hand and power tools and equipment. They will be familiar with power equipment layout, safety features and controls. They will be able to carry out pre and post-start checks and running adjustments as well as selecting and wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when using tools and equipment

Health and Safety for Land-based Industries

The purpose of this unit is for learners to understand the principles and importance of health and safety within land-based settings. This unit covers health and safety legislation which provides the requirements upon which policies and procedures within the industry are based.

Introduction to the Forestry and Arboriculture Sector

The aim of this unit is to provide the learner with knowledge of the forestry and arboriculture sector and the types of organisations that operate within it. Learners will understand their roles and responsibilities in supporting a business to achieve its commercial objectives.

Environment and Conservation

The purpose of this unit is for learners to understand the importance of the environment and its conservation. Learners will understand that through appropriate management of the land it will become more sustainable and potentially more productive. They will understand bio security and resilience in managing tree stock.

Tree Classification and Identification

The purpose of this unit is for learners to understand the methods by which trees can be identified. They will understand classifications and the nomenclature of trees and their characteristics

Introduction to Plant Science

On completion of this unit, learners will have developed an understanding of the composition and characteristics of soil, which influence plant growth. They will have knowledge of the soil structure and basic plant physiology.

Tree Establishment

The purpose of this unit is for learners to understand the requirements for the successful establishment of trees. They will understand the principles that govern the selection of trees, how to prepare the ground and the impact of cultivation methods on specific sites.

Additional Qualification(s)

City & Guilds (NPTC) Level 2 Award In Safe Use of Manually Fed Wood-chipper

City & Guilds (NPTC) Level 2 Award in the Safe Use of Stump Grinders

City & Guilds (NPTC) Level 2 Award in Chainsaw Maintenance and Cross-cutting

Entry requirements & additional information

Entry requirements

3 GCSEs at Grade 3 (D) or equivalent, including English, Maths and Science (or related subject).

(check FE Admission guide for changes and equivalencies)

Learning and assessment

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 the mandatory units, an external exam that combines the knowledge of all mandatory units and a Health and Safety exam. The assessments and exams are spread throughout the course of the year.

Progression

Upon successful completion of the Level 2 Technical Certificate in Arboriculture, learners may be able to progress onto the Level 3 Advanced Technical Certificate.

Careers

Employment opportunities in the Arboriculture industry is currently excellent. The Level 2 Technical Certificate course provides the qualifications and experience for entry into the industry at a beginning operational level with future prospects for more complex and senior positions. These include positions such as apprentice arborist; groundsperson.

Special requirements

Costs that are mandatory for the course:

Steel toe-capped boots with good grip and ankle support – approx. £12-35

Trips: £50

Costs that are optional for the course:

PPE Clothing/Equipment: approx £150

Chainsaw Boots: approx £100-250

Work experience

This course includes a work experience element which enables the learner to gain valuable practical experience, whilst enhancing their knowledge of the industry. The learners will be expected to source and apply for a suitable position for themselves as part of this course.

Arboriculture at Myerscough

Myerscough introduced the UK’s first Foundation Degree, the first Honours Degree, the first online Degree and, most recently, the first Masters Degree in Arboriculture. We have a highly experienced team of staff who are well regarded in the industry and regularly deliver training and seminars to those working and researching the subject. The College boasts fantastic arboriculture facitilities and is home to the purpose built National Centre for Arboriculture, a state of the art teaching facility for the subject.