Level 2 Using a Chainsaw from a Rope and Harness Course at Northumberland College Kirkley Hall Campus

CostFREE
Duration1 hour
LevelLevel 2
DeliveryClassroom based
Start31 Jul 2026
Study modePart-time
AttendanceEvening
Awarding bodyCity & Guilds awarding body

About this course

Free Level 2 Using a Chainsaw from a Rope and Harness Course in Newcastle upon Tyne. Classes run at Northumberland College Kirkley Hall Campus. UK legislation requires anyone carrying out chainsaw operations in a tree canopy from rope and harness to hold an appropriate qualification. This course prepares you for the industry-compliant assessment that leads to the using a chainsaw from a rope and harness certificate. The session runs for approximately one hour. You must be at least 18 and hold three prior Certificates of Competence before you can enrol. City and Guilds Level 2 Certificate of Competence in Using a Chainsaw from a Rope and Harness with certificate.

Who this course is for

Current legislation requires that all those who undertake chainsaw operations within the canopy of a tree from rope and harness must be appropriately trained and qualified. The training course offered by Northumberland college equips the candidate to undertake an industry-compliant �Certificate of Competence� assessment.

Entry requirements

You will need to be at least 18 years of age and should hold a �Certificate of Competence� in the following units: � Award in Chainsaw Maintenance and Crosscutting � Award in Felling and Processing Trees up to 380mm � Award in Tree Climbing and Aerial Rescue (Verification of these units must be produced prior to the start of the course.)

What you will learn

  • You'll demonstrate safe chainsaw operation while suspended from rope and harness in a tree canopy.
  • You'll apply current legislation and industry standards for aerial chainsaw work.
  • You'll carry out pre-use checks and maintenance procedures relevant to chainsaw use at height.
  • You'll manage the risks associated with working in the canopy, including hazard identification and control.
  • You'll show competence in the techniques required to pass the industry-compliant assessment.

How you will learn

This is a classroom-based and practical course. You'll be assessed through a Certificate of Competence assessment that tests your ability to carry out chainsaw operations from rope and harness to industry standards. Assessment is competence-based: you either meet the standard or you don't, and the assessor will observe your practical performance directly.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Northumberland College Kirkley Hall Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start. You must bring verified documentation of your three prerequisite Certificates of Competence (Award in Chainsaw Maintenance and Crosscutting; Award in Felling and Processing Trees up to 380mm; Award in Tree Climbing and Aerial Rescue) before the session begins.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Arborist: carry out aerial chainsaw work legally and safely.
  • Tree surgeon: qualified for canopy operations from rope and harness.
  • Forestry worker: expand into specialist aerial cutting roles.
  • Grounds maintenance operative: add aerial chainsaw competence to your skill set.
  • Utility vegetation management operative: work on trees near power lines and infrastructure.

What you could study next

Once you hold this Certificate, you can build toward broader arboricultural qualifications. The Level 3 Award in Arboriculture covers advanced tree care and management. If you work toward a full suite of chainsaw and climbing units, you may also be eligible for LANTRA or City and Guilds professional membership routes. Speak to the centre about which units best match your career goals.

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