Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Forestry and Arboriculture (Arboriculture Pathway) 2025-26

Arboriculture is the study of tree management. An arborist usually works with individual trees in the environment to make sure they are healthy, safe and well managed. They may be self employed tree surgeons or work for large companies like Amey who employ teams of arborists to maintain trees on construction sites, around the road and rail network and around electricity pylons.

The arboriculture industry is experiencing rapid growth, driven by increased awareness of the importance of proper tree
management and rising public interest in environmental matters. Increased understanding of tree biology and developments in equipment and techniques of tree management has led to significant changes in traditional tree work practices.

As part of the course, our students also get the exciting opportunity to compete in national pole climbing competitions. We have trained many a champion pole climber!

• Principles of health and safety
• Land based industry machinery operations
• Plant and soil science
• Estate skills
• Tree felling and chainsaw use
• Identification, planting, establishment and aftercare of trees and arboriculture
• Principles and identification of pests, diseases and disorders of trees
• Urban and community forestry projects
• Woodland habitat management
• Principles of tree science
• Tree Climbing and aerial tree works operations
• Groundsman duties

This course is free for adults who qualify for funding via The National Skills Fund.
This government fund aims to help adults to gain the skills that are most sought by employers. This will help them improve their job prospects, and support economic recovery.

We have had consistently high progression to employment over many years for learners successfully completing this course. They go on to work for a mix of small business, self employment and to work for large employers.

The types of job you could get include:
• Forestry contractor/operator
• Forest ranger
• Tree worker (ground)
• Tree worker (aerial)
• Contractor
• Climber

This qualification will give you UCAS points. You could choose to progress to a range of university university degrees in arboriculture, land & estate management and forestry /woodland management.

Our entry requirements are reviewed annually and are subject to change as qualifications, awarding bodies and assessment criteria evolve.

You must be prepared to work outside in all weathers and get stuck in. Due to the physical nature of the practical assessments, you must be able to safely achieve the practical elements of the course without assistance.

To achieve this qualification you must study for 2 years. To gain this qualification, candidates will successfully achieve the following assessments:

• Three externally set, externally moderated assignments
• Two externally set, externally marked exams, sat under examination conditions
• 150 hours Industry Placement
• Specialist unit assignments

September 2025

The course is taught over 2 years. Approximately 50% of your time will be spent in the classroom with the rest being spent developing practical skills.