Course overview
If you’re either at college or working in the forestry industry, choosing to
study Level 3 at Plumpton is an excellent choice for the next stage of your
career.
Building on all of the skills and knowledge that you already have, you’ll get
to spend lots of time understanding tree and woodland care at our excellent
facilities here at Plumpton. With over 800 hectares of land for you to explore,
you’ll be choosing the perfect location.
These are a suite of level 3 qualifications (equivalent to A level) which can
be studied in a variety of combinations to allow flexibility and to help you to
develop your arboricultural and forestry skills along with increasing your
underpinning knowledge and understanding of tree and woodland care.
This course is designed to prepare people for entry to the forestry or
arboriculture industries as an operator and includes a wide range of skills and
knowledge.
Year 1 of the programme will cover primarily arboricultural and tree care
skills and will also include plant and soil science and machinery operation.
Year 2 will cover forestry skills, estate skills and more advanced
arboricultural skills and knowledge. There will generally be more theory based
sessions in the second year.
Work experience
Industry placements enhance your studies and are an important part of your course. They ensure you develop the key skills, knowledge and behaviours necessary to be successful in your chosen industry, resulting in you leaving college ready for the world of work. It is compulsory to undertake an element of work experience when studying a Level 1, 2, or 3 course. The number of hours you must complete will depend on your level of study.
Course Level:
- Level 1 – Minimum of 30 hours of industry placement
- Level 2 – Minimum of 75 hours of industry placement
- Level 3 – Minimum of 150 hours of industry placement (per year of your course)
- T Level – Minimum of 315 hours of industry placement
Student testimonial
“During my course I really enjoyed all the climbing and learning new techniques to access the canopy. The classroom side of the the course was really good too; I gained a great deal of knowledge to support my practical skills.”
Noah Tremaine – Level 3 Diploma Foresty
Entry requirements
4 GCSEs at Grade 4 and above to include English and Maths OR a Level 2 in a related subject plus English and Maths, at least grade 4
Bursaries
Financial support could be available to you depending on your household income, eligibility criteria, and level of study. A bursary, which is money given directly by the Government, could help fund bus travel, accommodation, course equipment, college meals, or educational trips.
Course Fees
Students aged 16-18 on 31st August in the year of starting the course do not pay tuition fees.
Adults aged 19+ may be entitled to a tuition fee waiver on certain courses (where the Government pays the tuition and assessment fee) if any of the following apply:
You are aged between 19 and 23 and:
- This is your first Full Level 2 or Full Level 3 qualification.
- You are undertaking English and Maths up to and including Level 2.
- You are unemployed or economically inactive and your gross annual income is below £26,800.
- Your course is part of the Level 3 Free Courses for Jobs offer (and you meet the earnings threshold)
You are aged 24+ and:
- You are studying a Level 1 or Level 2 course and are unemployed, economically inactive, or earning below £26,800 gross annually.
- You are undertaking English and Maths up to and including Level 2.
- Your course is part of the Level 3 Free Courses for Jobs offer (and you meet the earnings threshold)
All students pay a standard facility fee of £150 to use communal, non-educational facilities.
Material fees apply to Floristry, Blacksmithing and Metalwork, Agricultural Engineering, and Motor Vehicle students.
Equipment & PPE
Students on a 14-16, Level 1, 2, 3, or Foundation Learning course may be required to purchase equipment such as a uniform, PPE, or kit before starting their course. Material fees are applicable depending on the course studied.
Start dates
Interested in this course? There are currently no start dates available, but please contact us to discuss your options and find out when you can apply.
Not ready to apply?
Register your interest