Tree and Woodland Management and Maintenance (Arboriculture) – T Level

Required qualifications

Typical entry requirements are 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and maths, or equivalent qualifications. Applicants progressing from a relevant Level 2 programme may also be considered where they have demonstrated strong achievement, appropriate practical ability and the required English and maths profile.

Entry requirements are set by the college and may include an interview or applicant event. You will need a genuine interest in arboriculture, a positive approach to practical work and the maturity to meet employer expectations during placement. Individual applications may be considered on their merits.

What skills will I develop?

You will develop the technical knowledge and practical skills needed to manage trees and woodlands safely and sustainably. Core learning covers environmental legislation, climate change and sustainability, biosecurity, health and safety, business and finance, project management, supply chains, equality, communication, customer care and the use of information and data. In the arboriculture occupational specialism, you will learn to identify and measure trees; recognise pests, diseases, defects and hazards; undertake tree surveys; make evidence-based management recommendations; plan tree work; prepare risk assessments, method statements and emergency arrangements; carry out practical tree work; create planting plans; plant and establish trees; and prepare maintenance specifications. You will also develop confidence in using relevant tools, machinery, climbing equipment and technical survey equipment under appropriate supervision. Throughout the programme you will strengthen teamwork, problem-solving, digital, numeracy, report-writing and professional communication skills. Practical activities, employer input and your industry placement will help you apply classroom learning in realistic situations and understand the standards expected in the arboriculture sector.

Careers

Successful completion can lead to skilled employment in arboriculture, forestry, woodland management, local authorities, utilities, estates, conservation organisations or private tree-care businesses. Possible roles include arboricultural worker, tree surgeon, arboricultural officer, tree inspector, forestry worker, woodland operative, grounds or estate worker and countryside ranger. With experience and further professional development, you could progress into supervisory, surveying, consultancy, contracting or management roles, or establish your own business. You may also progress to a higher or degree apprenticeship, or to higher education in subjects such as arboriculture, forestry, woodland management, countryside management, environmental management or conservation. T Levels attract UCAS tariff points, although individual universities set their own entry requirements, so you should check the requirements for your chosen course.

Work experience

A high-quality industry placement is a mandatory part of the T Level. You will complete a minimum of 315 hours, approximately 45 days, with an employer in arboriculture or a closely related setting. The placement gives you the opportunity to apply your learning, experience real working practices and develop the technical and professional behaviours employers value. Activities will depend on the employer and may include assisting with tree and site surveys, planting and establishment, ground-based tree work, woodland maintenance, equipment checks, job planning, customer communication and environmental or biosecurity procedures. An industry professional will oversee your placement tasks. You will be expected to attend reliably, follow workplace rules, work safely, communicate professionally and keep appropriate records of your progress. The college will support preparation and monitor the placement, but students should be proactive in engaging with suitable employers and making the most of the opportunity.

English and maths

English and maths are embedded throughout the course and are essential for safe, accurate and professional arboriculture practice. You will use English to interpret legislation and technical guidance, write tree-survey reports, produce risk assessments and method statements, justify recommendations, communicate with customers and employers, and present information clearly. Maths will be applied to tree measurements, site dimensions, quantities, ratios, costs, timings, equipment selection and the interpretation of data. Digital skills will support research, mapping, recording, report production and professional communication.

Other important information

This is a full-time, two-year programme with a demanding balance of classroom study, practical training, independent work and industry experience. To achieve the full T Level, you must successfully complete the City & Guilds technical qualification, including the core assessments and Tree and Woodland Management and Maintenance occupational specialism, and complete the required industry placement. Practical arboriculture involves working outdoors, manual activity, machinery and, where appropriate, work-at-height training. You must follow instructions, wear the required personal protective equipment and demonstrate consistently safe and responsible behaviour. Some activities may be subject to risk assessment, age, competence and current industry guidance. Suitable outdoor clothing, safety footwear and other course kit may be required; details will be provided before enrolment. Visits, employer activities and placement hours may occasionally take place outside the usual college timetable. Progression to specific job roles may require additional certificates of competence, licences or further training after the T Level. Course content, delivery and optional enrichment activities may be updated to reflect awarding-organisation and industry requirements.