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NPTC Award in Tree Climbing and Aerial RescueApply Now »
Location: Broomfield Hall
Years: 1
Weeks: 1
Hours: 30.00
Start: Roll On Roll Off - Contact Us
Days / Times: Contact Us
Tuition (£): 650.00*
Exams (£): 140.00**
Interview: N
Course Summary
Current legislation requires that all those who undertake tree climbing operations utilising a rope and harness must be appropriately trained and qualified. The training course offered by the College equips candidates to undertake an industry-compliant ‘Certificate of Competence’ assessment.
Entry requirements
You will need to be at least 18 years of age.
This is a physically demanding course and consequently you must have a good level of general fitness and a head for heights.
Course Content
The course will cover:
- An understanding of the current legislation governing all tree climbing operations
- The practical skills required to safely access and manoeuvre around the crown of a tree
- An understanding of the complications and practical skills required to undertake an aerial rescue of an injured tree climber utilising a range of rescue methods
How will I be assessed?
External assessment leading to certification will take place as soon as possible following the successful completion of the training course. NPTC assessments are organised through Derbyshire Landskills.
Are there any additional costs or specialist equipment required?
All specialist climbing equipment can be provided by the College, for which a fee will be charged.
Please note equipment is not available for hire for the assessment. You will therefore need to have other arrangements in place for your assessment.
If candidates wish to use their own climbing equipment, this is acceptable providing that it complies with current legislation. All climbing equipment must have a current LOLER certification, which will need to be produced at the start of the course.
It is recommended that candidates do not purchase specialist equipment prior to the course. During the training, our tutor will offer advice on the purchase of all specialist equipment.
What can I do after this course?
Derby College offers a range of one-day, weekend and evening courses relating to Arboriculture, as well as a wide range of other land-based topics - please see the Derby College Part-time Prospectus for a full list and details.
Did you find the course information on this page useful?
* Tuition - This figure is the tuition fee to be paid - There are no concessionary fees available.
** Exam - This fee is to cover the cost of registration with the relevant awarding body.
Andrew Patterson
Tree surgeon who trained at Broomfield seeks Derby College arboriculture student
Tree surgeon Andrew Patterson is looking to take on an arboriculture student from Derby College after Broomfield Hall's tree surgery course changed his life. Andrew – who is known as Drew at work – owns Tree Hugger and Son, which also employs his son Ross, another former Broomfield student.
Drew set up the family business, which operates across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, after completing the forestry and arboriculture diploma at Derby College in 2005. He said: "Ideally I would like someone who has nearly completed the Broomfield course and I have considered offering an apprenticeship to the right person."
Now 53, Drew discovered arboriculture by chance. At the age of 40 he'd been planning to give up his job as a postmaster and retrain as an electrician, but the college he had applied to had cancelled the course. Fortunately he happened to see a poster advertising an open day at Broomfield –and after spotting someone swinging in a tree, he decided there and then that tree surgery was for him, even though he didn't like heights. Inspired by his dad, Ross, now 28, took the same Broomfield course a couple of years later and is now junior partner.
My lecturers – David Frost, Simon Hunt and Sally were brilliant. David helped me get over my fear of heights and Simon and Sally taught me everything I needed to know about tree root underpinning.
Tree surgery can be a challenging career. I'm in my early fifties now but I'm in good shape. I'm a martial arts instructor so I've kept myself fit. You need good levels of fitness in this job.
It can be back breaking work but if you don't mind getting a few nicks, bruises and rashes and being outside in all weathers, it's one of the best jobs you could ever ask for.
