Level 3 and 4 Arboriculture (on campus)

Course details

About the course

Do you love working outdoors and want a hands-on, physical job? Arborists are in demand for their ability to care for, and maintain, trees.

Become a tree surgeon by studying arboriculture – a specialised field involving pruning, felling, transplanting and maintaining the health of trees and shrubs. New Zealand’s diverse and robust horticulture and related industries have experienced a steady growth over recent years and this means that qualified and experienced arborists are in demand, not only in this country, but across the world.

During this programme you will learn both the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of carrying out arboriculture tasks, with an emphasis on hands-on training in parks and garden areas around Dunedin. Field trips and work experience are important parts of the programme that help you to connect with those already working in this dynamic industry.

This programme is based in Dunedin and will give you the work-ready skills to enter the arboriculture industry. Employment opportunities exist within City or District council parks and gardens, with private companies, or as a contract climber. With motivation and further experience you could even think about self-employment or tree care consultancy roles.

Graduates of this programme will receive both the New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture (Level 3) (Arboriculture) and New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture Services (Level 4) (Arboriculture).

Skills required

Physical fitness
Planning and organisational skills
Good communication and team work skills
A good work ethic
An eye for detail

Entry requirements

Academic

NCEA Level 1 OR equivalent.
Applicants must have the physical and cognitive ability required for tree climbing and working at heights. A medical certificate may be requested to support an individual’s eligibility to enrol in the programme.

English Language

If English is not your first language, you must provide:
- New Zealand University Entrance OR
- Overall Academic IELTS 5.5 with no individual band score lower than 5.0 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years), OR
- Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for NZQA proficiency table and here for list of recognised proficiency tests).

If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.

Special entry

In exceptional circumstances, any applicant who does not meet the academic entry requirements may be granted entry to the programme where they supply evidence of their ability to succeed in the programme to the Learning Leader of the Programme.

Other requirements

If accepted, you must comply with the current Drug and Alcohol Policy for the Arboriculture Programme.
All students will complete the National Adult Literacy and Numeracy Assessment tool on commencement and on completion of their programme.

Selection procedure

Applications that meet the entry requirements are processed on a first come-first served basis until the programme has reached capacity.

You will study

Course	Credits
Communication Work as effective team members in the horticulture sector Cooperate and participate within a horticulture team Communicate effectively using a range of techniques Listen and respond appropriately to team members and colleagues	10
Health and Safety Management Identify and manage health and safety requirements in arboriculture Identify and manage risks in arboriculture	15
Foundation Climbing Skills Identify and use basic climbing equipment and techniques Identify equipment and its appropriate use in climbing Identify and use safe climbing techniques	15
Tree Identification and Pruning Identify trees and carry out pruning tasks Identify common trees used in arboritculture Describe the structure and growth responses of plants Apply basic pruning techniques to trees and shrubs	10
Ground Duties and Equipment Carry out ground person tasks and maintain arboriculture equipment Use and maintain arboriculture machinery and tools Perform grounds person's duties in arboriculture situations	10
Tree Planting Plant and establish trees and shrubs Describe soil characteristics that influence plant growth Prepare, plant, and establish a range of trees and shrubs	10
Supervisory Skills in Arboriculture Use interpersonal communication skills to achieve desired outcomes in arboriculture Instruct and supervise team members to achieve desired outcomes Give and receive feedback in a supervisory role	10
Tree Climbing Technique Climb trees safely in arboriculture Climb trees using a range of approved techniques Carry out an aerial rescue in arboriculture situations	15
Pruning techniques Carry out pruning techniques in arboriculture situations Prune trees and shrubs using a range of techniques Use chainsaws to prune safely at height	10
Tree Health Assess tree health in arboriculture situations Identify and describe pests, diseases and disorders Carry out a tree assessment in arboriculture situations	10
Tree Felling Fell trees safely from the ground Directionally fell trees in a controlled manner using a range of techniques Limb and process felled trees in arboriculture situations	15
Sectional Felling Sectionally fell trees in arboriculture situations Dismantle trees in a controlled manner without the use of rigging equipment Dismantle trees in a controlled manner using rigging techniques	15

Your workload

Usual timetable hours are Monday-Wednesday, 8.30am – 4.30 pm; Thursday 9.00am - 3.00pm and no class on Friday’s unless specified by your Lecturer

On average you will undertake three days a week of practical instruction and one day a week of theoretical teaching. In addition to this you will carry out your own self-directed study. It is expected that you will participate in four weeks of work experience during your programme.

Programme specific risks

There are a number of health and safety issues associated with the practical delivery of arboriculture training. You will be advised of the physical risks and requirements of the programme either in person or by telephone before you enrol. You will be advised of the need to purchase the listed clothing and equipment and the reasons for this.

Risks include injury to the body due to the physical nature of arboriculture work (manual labour, lifting, bending, falls from working at heights, eyesight) and from using sharp tools and equipment (secateurs, hand saws, chainsaws, spades) and larger machinery (chipper). There is a risk from poisonous plants, insect stings, the physical environment (excessive heat or cold, wet weather, working in isolation and machinery noise).

Additional costs

Click here for a student gear list.

Student loans/allowances with TTAF

Whilst this programme is free for you to study via the Trades and Apprenticeship Fund (TTAF), this fund only covers tuition fees and compulsory costs such as student levies.It does not cover any additional costs or living costs.You can pay for additional and living costs by yourself if that is possible for you or by applying for a loan or allowance through Studylink.

It is important to apply for your student loan/allowance at the same time as you apply for this programme, due to the length of time Studylink take to process. Loan/allowance applications can be cancelled at any time if you decide to withdraw your programme application or if it is unsuccessful.

For information about student loans and allowances please visit the Studylink website

Please note:Student Loans and Allowances and TTAF are available for domestic students only.

For further information

Please email [email protected]

About the provider

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