Now is a good time to begin a career in forestry and arboriculture as nations wake up to the fact that we need to both protect and enhance our green spaces. Trees play an important part not only in our economy but also our wellbeing as a nation. There are a wide variety of jobs on offer in this sector from working on the ground as a tree officer or inspector, to the more adventurous climber working at height from a rope and harness.
This technical route to employment or higher education has been developed alongside industry to instil the required skills and knowledge to quickly become competent and successful in your chosen career. The Rodbaston estate is ideally situated to enhance learning with its wide variety of habitats and individual tree specimens. The programme of learning leans heavily towards the arboriculture side of the industry as this offers great employment prospects, but also takes in forestry practise to move into this area if that is a chosen career goal.
If you love trees, like being outdoors and still want good employment prospects then this is the course for you!
To study at Level 3, you need at least 4 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, or equivalent qualifications. If you’re 19+ you may qualify for free study under the Government’s Free Courses for Jobs scheme if unemployed or earning under £25,000. For ages 19–23, this applies only if it’s your first Level 3 qualification. Funding rules may change, so check current eligibility.
Jobs you could do
What you could study next
A Level 3 forestry and arboriculture qualification opens routes into higher study and specialist training. You could progress to a Level 4 or higher qualification in arboriculture or forestry management at university or through a degree apprenticeship. Professional membership with the Arboricultural Association is also a recognised next step for those moving into inspection or consultancy roles.
