Jack’s arboriculture journey

Jack started his studies at Capel Manor College on the Level 2 arboriculture and forestry course before continuing to Level 3.

“My journey at Capel Manor College has been nothing short of transformative. I started with a Level 2 course in arboriculture and forestry, and after completing that, I knew I wanted to continue deepening my knowledge and skills. So, I enrolled in the Level 3 course to further specialise in this field that I am passionate about.

When I received my final grades for Level 2, I felt proud and motivated. These grades have allowed me to continue developing my expertise and broaden my understanding of the forestry and arboriculture industry. It has always been a dream of mine to work in this field and follow in my father’s footsteps, so achieving these results meant a lot. I have loved every part of my studies, from the hands-on experience to learning about safe working practices and health regulations.

I believe it’s the drive to always push myself that helped me succeed – I’ve always tried to give my best effort, and the support I received made a huge difference. My parents, the staff at College, and my work colleagues have all been incredibly supportive. The College provided everything I needed, from the practical tools like chainsaws and PPE to great facilities that made learning exciting and relevant.

The practical skills I’ve gained, such as machinery maintenance and climbing, will be essential as I continue my studies in Level 3. I have also learned so much about safe working practices, and all of this knowledge has made me determined to excel in my final year.

Looking ahead, I plan to carry on working in arboriculture and woodland management. In the future, I hope to take over my dad’s business and build on the experience I have gained from working alongside him. For now, my goal is to continue expanding my knowledge and skills, learning from every aspect of this industry that I find so rewarding.

To other future students, my advice would be to find something you truly enjoy and commit to it. The passion you bring to your studies will make all the difference. For me, that’s the key to success – loving what you do.

I’m excited about the future and can’t wait to apply the skills and knowledge I’ve gained at Capel Manor College to make a meaningful impact in the arboriculture and forestry industry.”

Where are they now?

After five years studying animal management with us, Cara has continued to thrive in higher education and the animal science sector. 

Following her time at our College she progressed to her first-choice university to study BSc (Hons) Zoo Biology, a course selected to broaden the biology and animal science knowledge she first developed at Capel Manor College. Throughout her degree, Cara explored diverse areas from physiology to animal behaviour, and the fascinating crossover of behavioural physiology. 

As part of her four-year programme, Cara completed an exciting placement year that took her around the world. She spent three months at a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre in Ecuador followed by six months at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna contributing to sector research. 

Returning to the UK for her final year, Cara graduated with first-class honours, as well as several prestigious awards recognising her academic excellence and dedication to student leadership. 

Her success has continued beyond her undergraduate degree. Cara has now been accepted to study an MSc in Clinical Animal Behaviour at one of the UK’s leading institutions in this field. Alongside her postgraduate studies, she is working remotely with her research team in Vienna, conducting data analysis and contributing to multiple scientific publications. 

Cara says that Capel Manor College helped shape the confident, motivated person she is today, supporting her personal development as much as her academic journey. Her long-term dream remains to work in animal behaviour and eventually become a team leader in a canine behavioural team with a charity such as Dogs Trust, RSPCA or Battersea, before moving on to a career in education, inspiring others just as she was inspired.