Skip to main content

Pathway summary

Trees and Timber

Framework:
Trees and Timber
Level:
2/3

The Level 2 and Level 3 Diplomas in Work-based Trees & Timber include three mainstreams of work within the industry, Arboriculture, General Woodland and Forestry Treework and Coppicing and Greenwood Trades.

Arboriculture and forestry both involve working with and around trees. Forests and woodland are an important resource for timber, amenity and recreation, tourism and biodiversity.

Forestry focuses on the management of forests and woodland, whereas arboriculture centres on the cultivation, management and care for individual trees, or groups of trees, with the primary aim of maintaining them for amenity purposes.

The industry is highly specialised and can involve working with a vast array of machines, materials and equipment; from planting stock, using chemicals to treat pests and disease through to chainsaws, harvesters and computer software. A wide range of skills and knowledge is therefore required as there is a significant variety of jobs and tasks involved.

Often when qualified, you will often be required to work alone or in small teams in the field, this requires good knowledge of health and safety legislation and working alone policies.

Pathway options and levels

Trees and Timber - Level 2

Pathway 1: Supports the job role of Tree Feller, Forest Worker, Base Level Arborist (Ground worker) Coppice and (Greenwood) Craft Worker.

Trees and Timber - Level 3

Pathway 1: Supports the job role of  Assistant Head Forester,  Contractor (Harvesting and/or Establishment), Social Forester, Woodland Supervisor, Coppice and (Greenwood), Craft Supervisor and Assistant Arboricultural Officer.

Further information

Duration

Level 2:  18 – 24 months

Level 3:  18 - 24 months

Progression routes

Level 2 Routes include:

  • Employment
  • Apprenticeship in Trees and Timber Level 3
  • Further Education courses such as:
    • Level 3 Certificate/Diploma in Forestry and Arboriculture BTEC
    • Level 3 Extended Diploma in Forestry and Arboriculture
    • Level 3 Certificate in Environmental Sustainability.

Level 3 Routes include:  

  • Employment
  • Higher Education courses such as a HNC/D including:
  • Forest Sciences
  • Conservation and Forest Ecosystems
  • Forestry and Woodland Management
  • Forestry and Woodland Conservation
  • Ecological Science (Forestry)
  • Sustainable Forest Management
  • Arboriculture and Urban Forestry Lowland Woodland Management
  • Level 4 Technician Certificate in Arboriculture.

Qualifications

Level 2: City & Guilds Diploma in Work-based Trees and Timber

Level 3:  City & Guilds Diploma in Work-based Trees and Timber

What are the entry requirements for this pathway?

All apprenticeship pathways in Wales have entry requirements.
If you are interested in undertaking this pathway – you need to have the following entry level qualification(s);

Level 2

There are no specific entry requirements for the Trees and Timber Foundation Apprenticeship, however, there are qualifications and/or experience that will help learners prior to starting:

  • Level 1 Certificate in Land-based Operations
  • Level 1 Certificate/Diploma in Land-based Studies
  • Level 1 Award/Certificate/Diploma in Work-based Land-based Operations

Have previously worked in, or are currently working within, the industry

Voluntary experience within the trees and timber industry.

Level 2:  No formal entry requirements.

Level 3

Level 3:  No formal entry requirements.

View full pathway

Document revisions

03 May 2023