Advanced Technical Certificate in Forestry and Arboriculture
Bicton College - 11 September 2023
Level 3 Levels Explained
1 Year
Horticulture, Floristry & Arboriculture Find out more
Full-time
Advanced Technical Certificate in Forestry and Arboriculture
So you want an adventurous job working outdoors, solving problems and perhaps climbing trees or working with chainsaws. Perhaps Forestry and Arboriculture would work for you?
The first thing you’ll notice about the course is that you will be learning both how to do the work and the reasons behind why it should be done that way. You can expect to spend one third of your time developing practical skills and two thirds on learning the theory and science.
You will be thinking about trees from planting tiny whips to the biggest in the forest. You’ll be learning about how trees grow, what their needs are and how we manage them to benefit the wild environment, forests, woodlands, towns and gardens. You can expect to learn the practical skills of chainsaw work and felling trees, how to assess the risk of trees failing and the trees relationship with fungi and other pests and disease. For many arborists climbing is a skill used every day and you can develop the skills to climb safely in the biggest trees for the purposes of inspection, pruning or removal.
In our workshop and store we have a wide range of professional equipment including modern professional quality chainsaws, climbing equipment with which you can learn a wide range technique, a commercial chipper and stump grinder. Infact everything we need for you to develop the set of skills that you need to make a strong contribution when you start in the industry.
You’ll be learning from professionals with experience across the industry who are there to give you the very best start to your career.
Bicton College - 11 September 2023
Level 3 Levels Explained
1 Year
Horticulture, Floristry & Arboriculture Find out more
Full-time
What you will learn
This one year course will study tree biology and the relationship trees have with the environment, pest and diseases. You will learn about how trees contribute to the environment and society and how tree professionals make decisions about the selection of tress and their management in different situations.
You will learn the use of chainsaws including maintenance and felling trees, you will learn to climb safely and how to use larger equipment like chippers and stump grinders.
Entry requirements
Successful completion of a Level 2 Arboriculture Certificate at merit or above (or relevant industry experience/qualifications) as well as 4 GCSE’s including English and Maths at grade 4.
Work experience
Work experience can be with one or multiple placements. Most students will work with an arboricultural company getting real world experience with chainsaws, chippers and climbing, but it is equally valid to consider a tree nursery, a consultancy or forestry situation.
Assessment
You will be assesed via practical assesments, written assignments and exams.
Progression
As a level 3 course, this diploma is all about setting you up for a professional career in forestry and arboriculture. You could choose to get on the tools and work as a contract climber or chainsaw operator. You could take your studies further right up to level six and work towards being a chartered forester.
Students with level 3 qualifications have gone onto work as climbers in other countries, team leaders on utility work or set up their own business. Often the minimum qualification for being a council tree officer is level 3.

Bicton College
Bicton College is based in East Devon, near Exeter, and set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, just two miles from the Jurassic Coast. The historic Georgian mansion, commercial farm, animal husbandry school, modern veterinary nursing building, world-class engineering and heavy plant machinery workshop, walled garden and arboretum are all set in over 200 hectares of historic parkland.
You will learn the use of chainsaws including maintenance and felling trees, you will learn to climb safely and how to use larger equipment like chippers and stump grinders.

Bicton College
Bicton College is based in East Devon, near Exeter, and set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, just two miles from the Jurassic Coast. The historic Georgian mansion, commercial farm, animal husbandry school, modern veterinary nursing building, world-class engineering and heavy plant machinery workshop, walled garden and arboretum are all set in over 200 hectares of historic parkland.
Related Topics
Dates & Locations
- Course type 16-19 Adult
- Level - Level 3
- Location - Bicton College
- Start Date - 11 September 2023
- Apply Now
Course Code 10127-BIC-23
Fees apply to adults and HE students only. Only the most common fees scenario is shown. Actual fees may vary depending on your personal situation. Please contact us for further information.
Courses listed on this website are indicative of the subject, nature and level of study. The College reserves the right to alter specific qualifications titles, awarding bodies and levels of qualification, which can change in year. Any cost may also vary, based on personal funding eligibility. The Cornwall College Group reserves the right to withdraw any course listed at any time.