Apprenticeship in Forestry & Arboriculture - Level 2 and 3

As an apprentice, the nature of your work will depend on your employer. Working for a small company could mean you handle a wide range of responsibilities - alternatively, working for a large company might mean you have a more specialised role. Skills taught could include preparing sites, planting trees and providing appropriate protection and maintenance, operating a chainsaw, felling and harvesting material, processing timber and disposal of residues, maintaining machines and equipment used in forestry and arboriculture. You may also learn to climb, perform aerial rescue and operate a chainsaw from a rope and harness. Apprenticeships are a well-respected and recommended route into this sector. Read on to find out more...
There are two levels of apprenticeship available, the Intermediate Level 2 and the Advanced Level 3. You would start with the Intermediate apprenticeship which takes up to 2 years to complete and can then progress to the Advanced Apprenticeship (Level 3) if you wish.
Apprenticeships are designed with the help of the employers in the industry, so they offer a structured programme that takes you through the skills you need to do a job well. There are targets and checks to make sure that your employer is supporting you and you are making progress.
As an employee you will be in employment for most of your time as most training takes place on the job. The rest takes place at HLC. You can complete this off-the-job training on day release or over a number of days in a block. All the things you study at college will be useful in your job and help you succeed in your future career. Your employment will usually be for at least 30 hours per week.
Assessment will take place through practical training at college and work and via theory through a portfolio of evidence. Workplace mentoring and assessment is also provided by the college throughout the training period together with close employer consultation on work options and progress. College-based training is delivered through a combination of day and block release courses.
Intermediate Apprenticeship
Advanced Apprenticeship