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• Arboriculture placement student: James

Arboriculture placement student: James

This Case Study belongs to Arboriculturist.

James is in the second year of a three-year foundation degree in horticulture (tree management). He has opted to take an industrial placement year, and is currently working with a company specialising in tree surgery and providing specialist tree work.

‘I chose my course because it provides an opportunity to specialise in arboriculture and the general management of trees. I will also have the chance to learn about the environmental impact and sustainability of arboriculture practice and tree management. I have always been interested in trees, and I’ve always known that I’d want a job that would let me work outdoors.

During my placement I have already had the opportunity to observe and be involved in various aspects of tree surgery, such as tree removal, crown management (which includes reductions, pollarding, thinning, reshaping and balancing), and root treatment (including pruning, bole removal and barrier installation). I’ve also worked on planting, for large replacement schemes and individual gardens. I have just started learning about tree consultancy, by work shadowing a very experienced colleague who is responsible for this work, and this is something I’d be interested in doing in the future.

Our clients include local councils, universities, colleges and schools, The National Trust and other large estates, property developers, housing associations, commercial organisations and private individuals. Contracts, therefore, range from large-scale and long-term projects to smaller jobs on work with just one tree.

Although I am only a placement student, my company takes training and development very seriously, and since starting work I have received training on the legislation relating to my work, health and safety regulations, and environmental issues. I have also been trained on the safe use of any equipment we use for our work, some of which could be extremely dangerous if you don’t know exactly what you’re doing!

I love the variety of my placement job, the fact that I’m always learning new things, and the opportunity to work outdoors a lot. I am lucky enough to be working with colleagues who have 30 years' experience in this career area and are happy to pass on their knowledge and experience.

I know that by the end of the year, the experience I have gained will help me to succeed on the final year of my course, and to go on to further study if I choose to do so. I would definitely recommend a placement year to anyone who has the opportunity to do one, as it allows you to put what you’re learning in college into practice, and gives you skills and experience that will be really useful in the future.’

Case Study sourced by Ivana Morton-Holmes of AGCAS, 20 February 2009.