Apprenticeship training course

Arboriculturist (level 4)

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Information about Arboriculturist (level 4)

Undertake tree inspections and surveys.

• Knowledge, skills and behaviours:
  View knowledge, skills and behaviours

  Knowledge

  • British Standards relevant to arboricultural works including 3998 (tree works) and 5837 (trees in relation to design, demolition and construction).
  • Principles of tree growth, physiology, characteristics and reaction to pruning.
  • The life stages of a tree including propagation techniques, aging process, deadwood habitats and veteran tree management.
  • Characteristics of tree pests and pathogens, their impact on the tree health and performance, and management responses.
  • Principles of soil science.
  • Hazard assessment methodologies in relation to a single tree.
  • Basic principles of woodland management.
  • Types of tree works related to tree form, function, and client expectation, their specification and implications for tree health, safety and aesthetics.
  • Classification of trees and their taxonomy; application of nomenclature (including cultivars where appropriate) per scientific convention.
  • Implications of legislation and industry best practice guidance when undertaking tree work operations and their impact on team management, policy and process for example H&S Act, specialist training requirements, Working at Height, LOLER, PUWER, AFAG, COSSH.
  • Considerations when planting trees including planting systems, site factors, species selection, protection, aftercare and British Standard 8545
  • Tree bracing styles, systems and uses.
  • Tree inventory systems and their uses.
  • Types of advanced diagnostic systems and their purpose in assessment of tree risk.
  • The legal framework around trees including statutory protection for trees and penalties associated with breaches of legislation and regulations.
  • Health and Safety legislation and regulations; principles related to work placed risk assessment and management, including method statements.
  • Conflicts between trees and the built environment including damage (direct or indirect) to infrastructure and subsidence.
  • Benefits of trees (for example climate change adaptation, carbon sequestration, human health and wellbeing) and how these could influence management decisions.
  • Tree valuation systems, methodologies and their purposes.
  • The role of an arboriculturist and how this occupation collaborates with other professions for example engineers, land managers, ecologists, landscape architects and planners.
  • The principles for resilient tree populations and the application of biosecurity.
  • The characteristics of ancient trees, veteran trees and trees of historical or cultural significance.
  • Sources of information on funding schemes for tree planting and management
  • Project Management principles including working within budget, systems and processes.
  • Contractual terms and processes for example the role of the client brief, the fee proposal, the scope and the instruction.
  • Tendering, procurement processes and scoring systems.
  • Principles and use of different communication tools.
  • Principles of customer service including confidentiality, data management, complaints and use of social media.
  • Principles of sales and marketing both direct service promotion and indirect industry promotion.
  • Roles of different stakeholders for example client, public, councillors in management of trees and techniques for engaging with the community.
  • Staff and team management principles including motivation, performance and work quality.
  • Principles of equality, safeguarding and diversity.
  • Principles of managing and supporting meetings.
  • Sources of information and techniques to research, collate and analyse arboricultural information and data.
  • The purpose and function of tree management plans and strategies and their implications for tree management.
  • Methods for establishing and monitoring quality standards for tree work operations.
  • Methodologies, techniques and tools for inspection and measurement of trees.

  Skills

  • Tree inspection including assessment of health, defects, safety risks, site factors, planning requirements and aesthetics.
  • Interpret maps and plans.
  • Assess tree risk to inform decision making.
  • Specify arboricultural works.
  • Select advanced diagnostic equipment for tree risk assessment.
  • Select biosecurity protocols.
  • Follow instructions and processes.
  • Write arboricultural reports.
  • Use software-based tree management systems, including associated laptop and handheld remote working equipment.
  • Produce plans using digital mapping software (for example GIS).
  • Select and use different formats to communicate information (for example table, image, map, text, graph).
  • Collect, research and analyse arboricultural information and data including reliable information sources.
  • Advise on implications of arboricultural policy, legislation, regulation and best practice including local and national planning policy.
  • Identification of tree species, their characteristics and requirements for healthy growth.
  • Manage projects including working within budget, systems and processes.
  • Produce quotations or tenders including defining a scope/specification of work.
  • Foster professional relationships with clients, customers and colleagues and engage with the community.
  • Negotiate with colleagues and stakeholders to achieve desired outcomes.
  • Communicate information to technical and non- technical audiences using a range of techniques.
  • Take meeting notes or minutes.
  • Seek further information from managers, supervisors or colleagues, when necessary.
  • Create and evaluate relevant risk assessments and method statements for arboricultural operations.
  • Provide customer service.
  • Identify soil type, properties, condition and implications for tree health.
  • Value trees as assets for both amenity and ecosystem service provision.
  • Establish and monitor quality standards for tree work operations.
  • Promote the organisation, products, services or activities.
  • Collect tree data including taking measurements.
  • Make tree management recommendations verbally.
  • Identify tree pests and pathogens, assess impacts on tree health and suggest management responses.
  • Assess tree planting practices.

  Behaviours

  • Act with integrity, for example being open and transparent in dealing with clients and respecting their confidentiality. Take full responsibility for your actions.
  • Communicates with others and takes into account cultural sensitivities and business practices
  • Act professionally, providing a high standard of service based on sound business evidence.
  • Adopt and promote a safety culture within the organisation and acts with regard to health, safety and wellbeing for self and others.
  • Embed sustainable working practices.
• Apprenticeship category (sector): Agriculture, environmental and animal care
• Qualification level: 4; Equal to higher national certificate (HNC)
• Course duration: 30 months
• Maximum funding: £14,000 ; Maximum government funding for ; apprenticeship training and assessment costs.

View more information about Arboriculturist (level 4) from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.