You will learn a range of practical skills in arboriculture and forestry, and countryside and estate management, to prepare you for further study or employment in your chosen pathway.
Course content includes:
- Introduction to Working in Land-based Industries
- Introduction to Plant and Soil Science
- Countryside Work Placement
- Habitat Maintenance
- Countryside Access and Recreation
- Land-based Machinery Operations
- Countryside Estate Maintenance
All 16-19 year olds on full-time programmes will be required to retake GCSE English and maths or to undertake Functional Skills, if they have not already attained the equivalent of a GCSE grade C in these subjects. This applies to each year of their course, until they complete their studies.
This course is designed to provide you with an introduction to the practical skills, knowledge and understanding required for a successful career in the countryside or arboriculture industries.
Practical work is carried out on our extensive 400-acre estate with woodlands, wetlands, and grasslands. You will also complete external work experience, which will help you to develop your skills and experience.
You will have access to our well-equipped workshops and wide range of industry-standard machinery, and will be taught by expert staff who have previous experience of working in the industry.
How you'll learn and be assessed
You will learn through a mixture of practical and theory sessions.
Progression
On successful completion you could progress on our Level 3 Arboriculture or Countryside Management courses, or pursue employment at entry level within these industries.
Entry requirements
Between two and four GCSEs at grades 2-3 (grade D – E) or above, including Maths and English, or a Level 1 qualification at Merit or above.