The course consists of approximately two theory days and three practical days per week.
This bespoke Merrist Wood course consists of practical topics delivered in blocks with the NPTC assessments conducted at the end of each block. An element of revision of the NPTC schedules is required to enable students to pass each assessment. Links to the relevant schedules will be sent out in advance in your induction pack.
Designed so you can acquire a knowledge of a range of tree surgery operations; develop a range of tree surgery skills, be able to make judgments concerning the solution of practical problems, increase productivity by a conscientious attitude to work, and develop an understanding of aspects of tree biology and disorders.
Practical work is carried out both in the woods and ornamental grounds of the college’s 400 acre estate, the golf course, and on outside worksites, giving a good range of realistic working situations.
Skilled and experienced tutors make full use of the well-equipped workshops, laboratories and wide range of machinery during the course, whilst the diverse range of tree and shrub species in the woodlands, ornamental grounds and plant nursery provides an excellent resource for developing plant knowledge. Several renowned gardens and aboreta, such as Kew, Wisley and Winkworth, are within easy reach of Merrist Wood.
Breakdown of Advisory Costs:
- NPTC Registration and administration fees: £280*
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): £600**
*This figure may vary depending on the number of NPTC assessments undertaken.
**This figure will enable you to purchase the basic equipment needed for the course. You will have an opportunity to select from a wide range of equipment and upgrade if you wish. There will be a visit to an equipment supplier at the beginning of your course.
What you'll learn
The course comprises of the following subjects:
NPTC
- Chainsaw Maintenance and Cross Cutting
- Tree Climbing and Aerial rescue
- Chainsaw use from Rope and Harness
- Felling
- Chipper
- Emergency First Aid at Work + Forestry
Theory
- Planting
- Plant and Soil Science
- Tree Evaluation
- Tree Ident
- Tree Law
- Menstruation
- Fungi
- CODIT
- Veteran, Ancient and Special Trees
- ARB Industry and Professional Bodies
- Health & Safety
How you'll learn and be assessed
Teaching is delivered through a mixture of practical and theoretical sessions.
Progression
Go onto other arboriculture or related courses or work in the industry.
Entry requirements
Students applying for this course should be 19 years old or over and would benefit from having prior work experience of tree work, but it is not essential.
You must, however, have the ability to work at heights and be prepared to work in all weathers.
Additional information
This course is very popular so please book early to avoid disappointment.
Should you require accommodation please contact our accommodation office on 01483 884038 or look at the accommodation on the website.
You will need to bring personal protective equipment or purchase from a local supplier at the beginning of the course:
- *Chainsaw protective helmet (complying with EN 397)
- *Chainsaw protective trousers (type C) (complying with EN 381-5)
- *Chainsaw protective gloves (complying with EN 381-7)
- *Chainsaw protective boots (complying with BS EN ISO 20345:2004 and bearing a
shield depicting a chainsaw Ear defenders (complying with EN 352) - Face Visor (complying with EN 1731/Safety Glasses EN 166)
- Personal first-aid kit, including a large wound dressing.
*The items marked with an asterisk should bear the chainsaw logo and show the chain speed to
which they have been tested.
- Please park at The Harris Centre in the free student car parking
- Then report to the Harris Centre reception, where you can sign in and collect your lanyard
- Reception opens at 8.30am
- Your class starts at 9am, so please leave enough time to register so that you can start your class on time
- Your tutor will meet you in the Harris Centre Reception
