Capel Manor
College

School of Arboriculture & Countryside

Head of School - Stuart Bonnet

Tel: 08456 122 122

Share this page

Maintain trees and woodlands, or protect and preserve the countryside and the environment.

The school of Arboriculture and Countryside offers full-time provision for school leavers and for mature students returning to learning, and our programme of part-time day, intensive and short courses and apprenticeships, provides specialist training and skills updating to rigorous industry standards.

We offer first-rate training sites including our own gardens, woodland and farm at Enfield, Horsenden Farm in west London, and practical facilities in Crystal Palace Park. Nature reserves, country parks and private estates are used to practise skills and develop students understanding. Students will benefit from regular field visits to a range of woodland, freshwater, upland, coastal and grassland habitats, wildlife sites and urban green spaces.

The industry
The trees and timber industry is vast and varied. Arboriculture is the planting, care and maintenance of trees and woodlands. It is an expanding career area. Forestry is the science and practise of managing forests and woodlands.
The countryside industry is involved with managing, protecting and improving the countryside whilst encouraging people to visit it. Similarly environmental conservation is involved with the conservation of landscapes, habitats and birds, animals and plants, and generally improving the environment at a local and/or national level.

Is it for me?
Yes, if you like working outdoors, relish responsibility and being part of a team, are interested in protecting and managing the environment, like applying new technology, enjoy operating tools and machinery, care about conservation, are a problem solver, enjoy learning lots of practical skills.

Opportunities
Opportunities for employment in arboriculture, countryside and conservation work continue to expand. There is a steady and increasing demand for staff with practical skills and expertise to contribute to environmental management.

Many of our students go on to set up businesses in the UK and abroad, or to work as tree surgeons for large and small established employers and contractors. Others build careers as tree officers, tree surveyors, trees inspectors, arborists, climbers and groundsmen.

Careers in the countryside and environment are broad and rewarding and include opportunities in areas such as landscape, habitat and species management, countryside recreation, planning and parks, and even dealing with issues such as climate change. Opportunities exist in a range of organisations from government departments to local authorities, charities and the voluntary sector.

---

Assessment of all of these qualifications is based on coursework more than examinations. Assessment of applicants is based on an interview exploring interest, experience and ambitions. References are also taken up and screening tests conducted. The entry requirements are given as guidelines.

 

Access to FE in Countryside & Environment
A three day a week entry level programme for students who need to gain qualifications to enable them to progress on to level 1 courses in countryside management and the environment. For more information please refer to the School of Student Services pages of this prospectus.

---

Level 1 Diploma Land-based Studies (Environment)
This full-time course is designed as a skills development programme and bridge for students wishing to progress to
level 2 or to confirm that this is the right vocational area for them. The course covers aspects of arboriculture, horticulture, countryside and the environment, and animal care.

Entry Requirements
All applicants are assessed on an individual basis with interviews arranged throughout the year.

Progression
Successful students may progress to a Level 2 Diploma course in either arboriculture or countryside management.

---

Level 2 Diploma in Countryside & Environment
This full-time course is designed for people seeking entrance to the environmental or countryside industries. It aims to give students basic practical experience and foundation knowledge of the subject.

Entry Requirements
Enthusiasm and interest in the countryside and environment, GCSE grades 1 D and 2 Cs or above, or literacy Entry level 3/Key Skills communication level 1/level 2 or on the basis of a school/college report.

Progression
Successful students may progress to a Level 3 Diploma course in either arboriculture or countryside management.

---

 

Level 2 Extended Certificate in Countryside & Environment
This part-time day course is designed for those seeking entrance to the countryside and environment industry. It aims to give students basic practical experience and foundation knowledge of the subject.

Entry Requirements
Enthusiasm and interest in the countryside industry.

Progression
Successful students may progress to a Level 3 Diploma course in countryside management or into employment.

---

Level 2 Extended Certificate in Arboriculture & Forestry
This part-time day course is designed for those seeking entrance to the arboricultural or forestry industry. It aims to give students basic practical experience and foundation knowledge of the subject.

Entry Requirements
Enthusiasm and interest in the arboriculture industry.

Progression
Successful students may progress to a Level 3 Diploma course in arboriculture or into employment.

---

 

Intermediate Apprenticeships and Advanced Apprenticeships

DO YOU WANT TO EARN WHILE YOU LEARN?
Apprenticeships are nationally recognised qualifications at Level 2 and Level 3 which combine taught sessions at college on a block release basis with experience in the workplace. The progammes concentrate on the achievement of practical skills which is particularly attractive to employers. Apprenticeships are one of the best ways to achieve relevant industry experience and are open to anyone aged 16 and above.

Click here to learn more about the different Apprenticeship programmes offered by the college.

---

 

Level 2 Diploma in Arboriculture & Forestry
This full-time course is designed for people seeking entrance to the arboricultural or forestry industry. It aims to give students basic practical experience and foundation knowledge of the subject.

Entry Requirements
Enthusiasm and interest in arboriculture and forestry; GCSE grades 1 D and 2 Cs or above, or literacy Entry level 3/Key Skills communication level 1/level 2 or on the basis of a school/college report.

Progression
Successful students may progress to a Level 3 Diploma course in either arboriculture or countryside management.

---

 

Level 3 Diplomas in Arboriculture and in Countryside Management are highly regarded in the industry and in Higher Education. Each of the qualifications carries a specified number of UCAS tariff points. The Subsidiary Diploma is the equivalent of 1 A level, the Diploma 2 A levels, the Extended Diploma 3 A levels.
As with A levels, you’ll need independent study skills to be successful at Level 3.

Level 3 Diploma in Countryside Management
This course provides the knowledge and skills required for a career in countryside and estate management. Students may study either as full-time or part-time (two days a week).

Entry Requirements
4 GCSEs at grade C or higher including a science subject or a Level 2 Diploma with distinction and Key Skills. Previous experience of conservation work is an advantage. Accreditation of Prior Learning is available for mature students.

Progression
Progression could be to the second year of the Level 3 Extended Diploma or into Higher Education, employment or
further training in the industry.

---

Level 3 Extended Diploma in Countryside Management
A two year full-time course that has a strong practical base covering the specialist knowledge required for a career in countryside or nature reserve management.

Entry Requirements
4 GCSEs at grade C or above including a science, completion of the Level 2 Diploma to distinction standard with Key Skills or Accreditation of Prior Learning for mature students. Entry direct to second year following successful completion of Level 3 Diploma.

Progression
Higher Education or employment in the industry.

---

 

Level 3 Diploma/Extended Diploma in Forestry & Arboriculture
The Diploma is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills required for competent supervisory/practical posts in the industry. The Extended Diploma offers the opportunity to become a knowledgeable arborist with the confidence and skills to take a responsible management post in the industry. The Diploma is completed in four terms and the Extended Diploma over two years full-time. The Diploma is the equivalent of 2 A levels, the Extended Diploma 3 A levels. Learners also have the opportunity to undertake a range of additional qualifications at levels 2 and 3, including Functional Skills.
All learners applying to the Extended Diploma initially complete the Diploma and progress to the Extended Diploma where appropriate.

Entry Requirements
4 GCSEs at grade C or above including a science subject or a Level 2 Diploma to distinction standard with Key
Skills. Previous practical experience, an NVQ Level 2 or equivalent in Horticulture or Arboriculture is an advantage. Accreditation of Prior learning is available for mature students.

Progression
Progression could be to the second year of the Extended Diploma or into Higher Education, employment or further training in the industry.

Accessibility | Disclaimer | RSS Feeds
Copyright © 2012 Capel Manor College. All rights reserved.
Web page designed, hosted and maintained by Harris Digital