Forestry and Arboriculture

If you’re looking at which direction to take when you leave school and you’re interested in forestry and arboriculture, this is definitely the course for you.

A brilliant introduction to this very interesting industry, you’ll get to enjoy a real mix of lessons both in our modern classrooms and during practical sessions at our excellent on-site facilities as part of the huge Plumpton estate.

You’ll get to learn about topics such as estate skills, timber harvesting and tree planting.

These are a suite of level 2 qualifications which can be studied in a variety of combinations as part of a study package to allow flexibility and to help you to develop your forestry knowledge and skills.

This one-year programme is designed for those who are interested in a successful career working in the forestry and arboricultural industries.

Work Experience

Study programmes include a minimum of compulsory work experience hours achieved through one day a week or block placements. The amount of hours required is dependent on the study programme. 

Careers Hub

We offer impartial careers guidance to all of our students, email careers@plumpton.ac.uk to explore your next step or to book an appointment – we’re here to help.

Industry Work Placement

All students aged 16-18 on our Level 2 & Level 3 programmes will now have the opportunity to take part in an exciting 50-day industry placement programme alongside completion of their vocational course. The programme will give you the chance to gain valuable skills in a real working environment whilst being paired with your ideal employer.

Our mission is to pair students with their ideal employer and to support them continuously during the placement.

There is flexibility on how students complete the placement; it can be during non-college weekdays, weekends, in blocks or over the holiday period. You will receive all of the necessary information during your interview, and if you have any queries in the meantime please contact workexperience@plumpton.ac.uk

Additional Qualifications

There may be an opportunity for you to gain extra qualifications on top of your main award in subjects such as Health and Safety, Working With Others or Personal Money Management.

• College award, Functional Skills or GCSEs in English and maths

Future Opportunities

Completion of this course provides the necessary skills you need to start a career such as:

• Countryside and estate work
• Forestry
• Machinery operation
• Habitat maintenance
• Conservation work
• Wildlife management

Following satisfactory completion of the full Technical Certificate at merit or above, students may progress onto the City & Guilds Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma (2 year programme).