This apprenticeship has options. This document is currently showing the following option:
Carry out the practical operations required to create, maintain and harvest forests and woodlands.
This occupation is found in forestry and land management. This includes governmental, non-governmental, private, public, charitable and local authority organisations in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland that have an interest in forestry and woodland creation and management. Landowning organisations or private estates may employ their own forest craftsperson(s) and or use contractors who employ forest craftspersons.
The broad purpose of the occupation is to carry out the practical operations required to create, maintain and harvest forests and woodlands. Most employers will specialise in either establishment and maintenance, or harvesting. Employees in both sub-sectors would be expected to be aware of the full range of forestry operations, and to understand the commercial, environmental and social impacts of forestry. Establishment and maintenance operatives will carry out the range of duties required to prepare the ground, plant trees and undertake ongoing maintenance, including weeding, beating up and pruning. Harvesting operatives will carry out the range of duties required to fell, process and extract trees and timber. This occupation works predominantly in either established forests, woodlands or on open land. They need to be able and willing to do practical work outdoors in all weathers. Forestry and woodland sites are often in remote locations and the ability to travel independently to access sites is advantageous.
In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with colleagues including land owners, team leaders or work supervisors, and forest craftspersons. They may need to communicate with members of the public and other land management operatives in the course of their work.
An employee in this occupation will be responsible for initiating and completing their own work to specification, with minimal supervision, ensuring they meet set deadlines. They are responsible for meeting quality requirements and working in accordance with legislation, environmental, health, safety and welfare considerations. They are accountable for the health and safety of themselves and others. They are expected to exercise responsibility, autonomy and judgement within limited parameters. They perform tasks that are complex and non-routine and may be in a variety of contexts. Forest operatives are responsible for checking their tools, equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) are maintained and safe to use. They report to team leaders and or works supervisors.
Forest craftsperson
Forest operative
Forest worker
Recreation ranger
Tree establishment operative or contractor
Tree planter
Wildlife ranger
This is a summary of the key things that you – the apprentice and your employer need to know about your end-point assessment (EPA). You and your employer should read the EPA plan for the full details. It has information on assessment method requirements, roles and responsibilities, and re-sits and re-takes.
An EPA is an assessment at the end of your apprenticeship. It will assess you against the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) in the occupational standard. Your training will cover the KSBs. The EPA is your opportunity to show an independent assessor how well you can carry out the occupation you have been trained for.
Your employer will choose an end-point assessment organisation (EPAO) to deliver the EPA. Your employer and training provider should tell you what to expect and how to prepare for your EPA.
The length of the training for this apprenticeship is typically 24 months. The EPA period is typically 3 months.
The overall grades available for this apprenticeship are:
When you pass the EPA, you will be awarded your apprenticeship certificate.
The EPA gateway is when the EPAO checks and confirms that you have met any requirements required before you start the EPA. You will only enter the gateway when your employer says you are ready.
The gateway requirements for your EPA are:
For the forest craftsperson, the qualification required is:
(Core) QNUK Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work +F (RQF) or QA Level 3 Award in Forestry First Aid +F (RQF) or FAA Level 3 Award in Forestry First Aid
(Core) Lantra Awards Level 2 Award In Chainsaw Maintenance and Cross-cutting or City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate of Competence in Chainsaw Maintenance and Cross-Cutting
(Core) Lantra Awards Level 2 Award In Felling and Processing Trees up to 380mm or City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate of Competence in Felling Small Trees up to 380mm
(Establishment & Maintenance) Lantra Awards Level 2 Award in Safe Use of Pesticides or City & Guilds Level 2 Principles of safe handling and application of pesticides
(Establishment and Maintenance) ) Lantra Awards Level 2 Award in the Safe Application of Pesticide Using Hand Held Equipment or City & Guilds Level 2 Award In The Safe Application of Pesticides Using Pedestrian Hand Held Equipment
(Establishment and Maintenance) City & Guilds NPTC Level 2 Award In the Safe Use of Brush-cutters and Trimmers
(Establishment and Maintenance) City & Guilds NPTC Level 2 Award In the Safe Use of Forestry Clearing Saw
(Harvesting) Lantra Awards Level 3 Award In Severing Uprooted or Windblown Trees Using a Chainsaw or City & Guilds Level 3 Certificate of Competence in Individual Windblown Trees
(Harvesting) Lantra Awards Level 3 Award In Felling and Processing Trees over 380mm or City & Guilds Level 3 Certificate of Competence in Felling and Processing Medium Trees Over 380mm and up to 760mm
Practical assessment with questions
You will be observed by an independent assessor completing a set of tasks. It will last 210 minutes. They will ask you at least 12 questions.
Multiple-choice test
You will complete a multiple-choice test. It will be closed book, meaning you will not have access to any books or reference materials.
In the test you can have:
calculator
writing materials
The test will have 30 multiple-choice questions. You will have 60 minutes to complete it.
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
You will have a professional discussion with an independent assessor. It will last 70 minutes. They will ask you at least 12 questions. The questions will be about certain aspects of your occupation. You can use it to help answer the questions.
The EPAO will confirm where and when each assessment method will take place.
You should speak to your employer if you have a query that relates to your job.
You should speak to your training provider if you have any questions about your training or EPA before it starts.
You should receive detailed information and support from the EPAO before the EPA starts. You should speak to them if you have any questions about your EPA once it has started.
If you have a disability, a physical or mental health condition or other special considerations, you may be able to have a reasonable adjustment that takes this into account. You should speak to your employer, training provider and EPAO and ask them what support you can get. The EPAO will decide if an adjustment is appropriate.
This occupation is found in forestry and land management. This includes governmental, non-governmental, private, public, charitable and local authority organisations in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland that have an interest in forestry and woodland creation and management. Landowning organisations or private estates may employ their own forest craftsperson(s) and or use contractors who employ forest craftspersons.
The broad purpose of the occupation is to carry out the practical operations required to create, maintain and harvest forests and woodlands. Most employers will specialise in either establishment and maintenance, or harvesting. Employees in both sub-sectors would be expected to be aware of the full range of forestry operations, and to understand the commercial, environmental and social impacts of forestry. Establishment and maintenance operatives will carry out the range of duties required to prepare the ground, plant trees and undertake ongoing maintenance, including weeding, beating up and pruning. Harvesting operatives will carry out the range of duties required to fell, process and extract trees and timber. This occupation works predominantly in either established forests, woodlands or on open land. They need to be able and willing to do practical work outdoors in all weathers. Forestry and woodland sites are often in remote locations and the ability to travel independently to access sites is advantageous.
In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with colleagues including land owners, team leaders or work supervisors, and forest craftspersons. They may need to communicate with members of the public and other land management operatives in the course of their work.
An employee in this occupation will be responsible for initiating and completing their own work to specification, with minimal supervision, ensuring they meet set deadlines. They are responsible for meeting quality requirements and working in accordance with legislation, environmental, health, safety and welfare considerations. They are accountable for the health and safety of themselves and others. They are expected to exercise responsibility, autonomy and judgement within limited parameters. They perform tasks that are complex and non-routine and may be in a variety of contexts. Forest operatives are responsible for checking their tools, equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) are maintained and safe to use. They report to team leaders and or works supervisors.
Forest craftsperson
Forest operative
Forest worker
Recreation ranger
Tree establishment operative or contractor
Tree planter
Wildlife ranger
| Duty | KSBs |
|---|---|
|
Duty 1 Implement health and safety legislation, industry guidance and organisational policies, (for example erecting warning signs at entry points to a worksite.) |
K1 K7 K8 K11 K12 K14 K15 K16 K22 K23 |
|
Duty 2 Implement biosecurity legislation, industry guidance and organisational policies, (for example disinfecting footwear, tools and equipment before entering, leaving and travelling between work sites.) |
|
|
Duty 3 Implement pollution control in line with legislation, industry guidance and organisational policies, (for example positioning a spill-kit appropriately prior to refuelling a chainsaw.) |
|
|
Duty 4 Plant trees |
K1 K2 K3 K4 K5 K8 K9 K10 K12 K14 K15 K16 K19 |
|
Duty 5 Clear vegetation (for example cleaning, brashing) |
|
|
Duty 6 Measure and select trees for removal. |
|
|
Duty 7 Fell small trees. |
K1 K2 K3 K4 K5 K7 K9 K12 K14 K15 K16 |
|
Duty 8 Maintain forest infrastructure, (for example repair a damaged deer fence.) |
|
|
Duty 9 Operate and maintain forestry tools, equipment and machinery. |
|
|
Duty 10 Monitor and control the impact of pests, diseases and disorders. |
|
|
Duty 11 Maintain records including digital records and reports. |
|
|
Duty 12 Communicate with supervisor, colleagues, public and others |
|
|
Duty 13 Use geographical tools including Global Positioning Systems (GPS), maps and plans. |
| Duty | KSBs |
|---|---|
|
Duty 14 Manage vegetation (for example pruning and high pruning) |
K1 K2 K3 K4 K5 K7 K9 K15 K16 K18 K19 K21 |
|
Duty 15 Maintain trees (for example weeding and respacing.) |
K1 K2 K3 K4 K5 K7 K8 K9 K12 K14 K15 K16 K20 K22 |
| Duty | KSBs |
|---|---|
|
Duty 16 Measure and select trees for harvesting |
K1 K2 K3 K4 K5 K6 K10 K11 K13 K15 K23 K24
|
|
Duty 17 Harvest trees and prepare timber for extraction |
K1 K2 K3 K4 K6 K12 K15 K16 K23 K24 |
|
Duty 18 Extract timber |
K1: Health and safety legislation, codes of practice (including Forest Industry Safety Accord guidance) and policies, including risk assessment.
Back to Duty
K2: Biosecurity and environmental legislation, codes of practice and policies including pollution control.
Back to Duty
K3: Principles of silvicultural practice in the UK including those most commonly used, their application, and the UK Forestry Standard.
Back to Duty
K4: Methods to identify trees and woodland plants including botanical keys taking account of seasonality.
Back to Duty
K5: Plant and tree biology, physiology, lifecycles, growing conditions, landscape and timber properties.
Back to Duty
K6: Techniques for measuring standing trees.
Back to Duty
K7: Techniques for felling small trees and removing unwanted vegetation.
Back to Duty
K8: Techniques for planting, supporting and protecting trees and their suitability to different situations including site conditions.
Back to Duty
K9: Implications of tree establishment activities on the end product and impact on decision-making process.
Back to Duty
K10: Timber supply chain (for example timber markets and processing) and the actors within it including roles and responsibilities.
Back to Duty
K11: Maintenance requirements for forest infrastructure, for example boundaries and rides.
Back to Duty
K12: Maintenance, operational requirements and legislation for tools, equipment, machinery, vehicles and attachments.
Back to Duty
K13: Techniques for identification and control of tree pests, diseases and disorders, including impacts of pests and diseases on timber and the wider environment, and the principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
Back to Duty
K14: The importance of maintaining records including digital records and reports.
Back to Duty
K15: Techniques for communicating with technical and non-technical audiences and the importance of effective communication in the workplace with colleagues, customers and the public.
Back to Duty
K16: Implications of changes in conditions, situations and working environments.
Back to Duty
K17: The importance of recording a portfolio of experience and learning to aid career progression.
Back to Duty
K18: The environmental, social and economic value of sustainable forest management.
Back to Duty
K19: Methods for storing, transporting and handling trees and importance for tree health and establishment.
Back to Duty
K20: (Establishment & maintenance) Techniques for protecting and maintaining plants after planting including purpose, timings and suitability to site conditions.
Back to Duty
K21: (Establishment & maintenance) Methods of managing and controlling unwanted vegetation throughout the life cycle of the tree(s).
Back to Duty
K22: (Establishment & maintenance) Methods for controlling vegetation or pests by chemical means (for example pesticides or organic equivalents).
Back to Duty
K23: (Harvesting) Harvesting and extraction systems including tree felling and the factors affecting the cost of bringing timber to market.
Back to Duty
K24: (Harvesting) Techniques for calculating timber in standing and felled trees.
Back to Duty
S1: Plan, implement, monitor and review health, safety and welfare of self and others, including creating risk assessments, legislative requirements and organisational policies.
Back to Duty
S2: Plan, implement, check and report environmental mitigation measures, including legal compliance, organisational policies and risk assessment.
Back to Duty
S3: Identify common forestry trees and woodland plants using scientific names.
Back to Duty
S4: Measure trees for assessment of timber volumes.
Back to Duty
S5: Identify and control unwanted vegetation including felling small trees using hand and motor manual tools.
Back to Duty
S6: Plant trees including providing support and protection.
Back to Duty
S7: Monitor and maintain forest and woodland infrastructure for example boundaries and rides.
Back to Duty
S8: Operate and maintain tools, equipment and machinery safely in line with legislation and manufacturers guidance, for example winches, chainsaws or tractors.
Back to Duty
S9: Monitor and control the impact of pests, diseases and disorders.
Back to Duty
S10: Maintain records including digital records and reports.
Back to Duty
S11: Communicate to technical and non-technical audiences including the use of verbal and written techniques.
Back to Duty
S12: Interpret maps, plans and Global Positioning Systems (GPS).
Back to Duty
S13: Store and dispose of waste in accordance with regulations, for example chemicals, organic and inorganic waste, pollution and biosecurity controls.
Back to Duty
S14: Load, unload and transport materials and equipment relative to the business.
Back to Duty
S15: Process information and communicate using digital technology for example emails, word processing software, video meeting software or applications for recording and sharing information.
Back to Duty
S16: Store and handle trees to minimise negative impacts and maximise establishment potential.
Back to Duty
S17: (Establishment & maintenance) Protect and maintain plants after planting including weeding, cleaning, re-spacing, beating up and application of products to prevent unwanted vegetation (for example mulch mat).
Back to Duty
S18: (Establishment & maintenance) Improve quality of tree crop, including brashing and formative pruning.
Back to Duty
S19: (Establishment & maintenance) Control vegetation or pests by chemical means (biocides or organic equivalents).
Back to Duty
S20: (Harvesting) Select trees for harvesting.
Back to Duty
S21: (Harvesting) Fell large trees motor-manually including use of assisted fell techniques.
Back to Duty
S22: (Harvesting) Use hand winches in forestry.
Back to Duty
S23: (Harvesting) Prepare timber for extraction including snedding, measuring, cross cutting and sorting timber to product specification.
Back to Duty
S24: (Harvesting) Calculate timber volumes using mensuration techniques.
Back to Duty
B1: Takes ownership of work including attention to detail, spatial awareness and stamina.
Back to Duty
B2: Team-focused and works effectively with colleagues and others.
Back to Duty
B3: Committed to keeping up to date with industry best practice and seeks to continuously improve and develop.
Back to Duty
B4: Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
Back to Duty
B5: Puts safety first for themselves and others.
Back to Duty
B6: Respectful of others and tailors communication to audience.
Back to Duty
Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the End-Point Assessment. For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement, the apprenticeship’s English and maths minimum requirement is Entry Level 3. A British Sign Language (BSL) qualification is an alternative to the English qualification for those whose primary language is BSL.
Level: 3
Ofqual regulated
JustificationThe Forest Industry Safety Accord (FISA) Safety Guide 804 (https://ukfisa.com/Safety/Safety-Guides/fisa-805) which sets out safe practice in training and certification states: For professional chainsaw operators working in forestry, FISA recommends that the minimum level of adequacy of training for chainsaw operations – including aerial tree work, pruning and dismantling – be confirmed by an independent assessment, leading to recognised qualifications (previously referred to as certificates of competence). This is also a common requirement in contracts of service.As recognised most forest land owners will therefore require certificates of competence for workers before they award contracts. For example Forestry Commission (https://www.forestryengland.uk/sites/default/files/pdf/Pre%20commencement%20Meeting.pdf) require all contractors prior to commencing work to demonstrate that their staff have the relevant certificates of competence to the work site. These include specifically for chainsaw use, crosscut, maintenance, felling small trees, felling large trees and windblown trees, depending upon what types of trees are in the contract. Not in the public domain is a more detailed list that includes first aid (+F) and a range of operator tickets. This means that these certificates must be held to work on forestry commission sites (a significant part of the England forest estate) for the apprentice to be able to work on these contracts. In addition, most insurers of forestry works will require that training and certification meet the FISA recommendations, again limiting opportunities for apprentices to work if they are not certificated. Users of professional products are required to hold a certificate showing they have sufficient knowledge of the subjects listed in Annex I of Guidance on the requirements of the Plant Protection Products (Sustainable Use) Regulations 2012 (https://www.hse.gov.uk/pesticides/using-pesticides/codes-of-practice/guidance-sustainable-use-ppp-regs-2012.htm). This activity is regulated and the qualifications mandated in the standards are all listed in the approved certificates for this purpose. Notes on pesticides (not for submission!)PA1 does still exist for C&G but I don’t think it is a regulated qualification unlike the PA6. The handbook is here: https://www.nptc.org.uk/assets/documents/ee2499867db446fba35f0d2eacd38031.pdf
Level: 2
Ofqual regulated
JustificationThe Forest Industry Safety Accord (FISA) Safety Guide 804 (https://ukfisa.com/Safety/Safety-Guides/fisa-805) which sets out safe practice in training and certification states: For professional chainsaw operators working in forestry, FISA recommends that the minimum level of adequacy of training for chainsaw operations – including aerial tree work, pruning and dismantling – be confirmed by an independent assessment, leading to recognised qualifications (previously referred to as certificates of competence). This is also a common requirement in contracts of service.As recognised most forest land owners will therefore require certificates of competence for workers before they award contracts. For example Forestry Commission (https://www.forestryengland.uk/sites/default/files/pdf/Pre%20commencement%20Meeting.pdf) require all contractors prior to commencing work to demonstrate that their staff have the relevant certificates of competence to the work site. These include specifically for chainsaw use, crosscut, maintenance, felling small trees, felling large trees and windblown trees, depending upon what types of trees are in the contract. Not in the public domain is a more detailed list that includes first aid (+F) and a range of operator tickets. This means that these certificates must be held to work on forestry commission sites (a significant part of the England forest estate) for the apprentice to be able to work on these contracts. In addition, most insurers of forestry works will require that training and certification meet the FISA recommendations, again limiting opportunities for apprentices to work if they are not certificated. Users of professional products are required to hold a certificate showing they have sufficient knowledge of the subjects listed in Annex I of Guidance on the requirements of the Plant Protection Products (Sustainable Use) Regulations 2012 (https://www.hse.gov.uk/pesticides/using-pesticides/codes-of-practice/guidance-sustainable-use-ppp-regs-2012.htm). This activity is regulated and the qualifications mandated in the standards are all listed in the approved certificates for this purpose. Notes on pesticides (not for submission!)PA1 does still exist for C&G but I don’t think it is a regulated qualification unlike the PA6. The handbook is here: https://www.nptc.org.uk/assets/documents/ee2499867db446fba35f0d2eacd38031.pdf
Level: 2
Ofqual regulated
JustificationThe Forest Industry Safety Accord (FISA) Safety Guide 804 (https://ukfisa.com/Safety/Safety-Guides/fisa-805) which sets out safe practice in training and certification states: For professional chainsaw operators working in forestry, FISA recommends that the minimum level of adequacy of training for chainsaw operations – including aerial tree work, pruning and dismantling – be confirmed by an independent assessment, leading to recognised qualifications (previously referred to as certificates of competence). This is also a common requirement in contracts of service.As recognised most forest land owners will therefore require certificates of competence for workers before they award contracts. For example Forestry Commission (https://www.forestryengland.uk/sites/default/files/pdf/Pre%20commencement%20Meeting.pdf) require all contractors prior to commencing work to demonstrate that their staff have the relevant certificates of competence to the work site. These include specifically for chainsaw use, crosscut, maintenance, felling small trees, felling large trees and windblown trees, depending upon what types of trees are in the contract. Not in the public domain is a more detailed list that includes first aid (+F) and a range of operator tickets. This means that these certificates must be held to work on forestry commission sites (a significant part of the England forest estate) for the apprentice to be able to work on these contracts. In addition, most insurers of forestry works will require that training and certification meet the FISA recommendations, again limiting opportunities for apprentices to work if they are not certificated. Users of professional products are required to hold a certificate showing they have sufficient knowledge of the subjects listed in Annex I of Guidance on the requirements of the Plant Protection Products (Sustainable Use) Regulations 2012 (https://www.hse.gov.uk/pesticides/using-pesticides/codes-of-practice/guidance-sustainable-use-ppp-regs-2012.htm). This activity is regulated and the qualifications mandated in the standards are all listed in the approved certificates for this purpose. Notes on pesticides (not for submission!)PA1 does still exist for C&G but I don’t think it is a regulated qualification unlike the PA6. The handbook is here: https://www.nptc.org.uk/assets/documents/ee2499867db446fba35f0d2eacd38031.pdf
Level: 2
Ofqual regulated
JustificationThe Forest Industry Safety Accord (FISA) Safety Guide 804 (https://ukfisa.com/Safety/Safety-Guides/fisa-805) which sets out safe practice in training and certification states: For professional chainsaw operators working in forestry, FISA recommends that the minimum level of adequacy of training for chainsaw operations – including aerial tree work, pruning and dismantling – be confirmed by an independent assessment, leading to recognised qualifications (previously referred to as certificates of competence). This is also a common requirement in contracts of service.As recognised most forest land owners will therefore require certificates of competence for workers before they award contracts. For example Forestry Commission (https://www.forestryengland.uk/sites/default/files/pdf/Pre%20commencement%20Meeting.pdf) require all contractors prior to commencing work to demonstrate that their staff have the relevant certificates of competence to the work site. These include specifically for chainsaw use, crosscut, maintenance, felling small trees, felling large trees and windblown trees, depending upon what types of trees are in the contract. Not in the public domain is a more detailed list that includes first aid (+F) and a range of operator tickets. This means that these certificates must be held to work on forestry commission sites (a significant part of the England forest estate) for the apprentice to be able to work on these contracts. In addition, most insurers of forestry works will require that training and certification meet the FISA recommendations, again limiting opportunities for apprentices to work if they are not certificated. Users of professional products are required to hold a certificate showing they have sufficient knowledge of the subjects listed in Annex I of Guidance on the requirements of the Plant Protection Products (Sustainable Use) Regulations 2012 (https://www.hse.gov.uk/pesticides/using-pesticides/codes-of-practice/guidance-sustainable-use-ppp-regs-2012.htm). This activity is regulated and the qualifications mandated in the standards are all listed in the approved certificates for this purpose. Notes on pesticides (not for submission!)PA1 does still exist for C&G but I don’t think it is a regulated qualification unlike the PA6. The handbook is here: https://www.nptc.org.uk/assets/documents/ee2499867db446fba35f0d2eacd38031.pdf
Level: 2
Ofqual regulated
JustificationThe Forest Industry Safety Accord (FISA) Safety Guide 804 (https://ukfisa.com/Safety/Safety-Guides/fisa-805) which sets out safe practice in training and certification states: For professional chainsaw operators working in forestry, FISA recommends that the minimum level of adequacy of training for chainsaw operations – including aerial tree work, pruning and dismantling – be confirmed by an independent assessment, leading to recognised qualifications (previously referred to as certificates of competence). This is also a common requirement in contracts of service.As recognised most forest land owners will therefore require certificates of competence for workers before they award contracts. For example Forestry Commission (https://www.forestryengland.uk/sites/default/files/pdf/Pre%20commencement%20Meeting.pdf) require all contractors prior to commencing work to demonstrate that their staff have the relevant certificates of competence to the work site. These include specifically for chainsaw use, crosscut, maintenance, felling small trees, felling large trees and windblown trees, depending upon what types of trees are in the contract. Not in the public domain is a more detailed list that includes first aid (+F) and a range of operator tickets. This means that these certificates must be held to work on forestry commission sites (a significant part of the England forest estate) for the apprentice to be able to work on these contracts. In addition, most insurers of forestry works will require that training and certification meet the FISA recommendations, again limiting opportunities for apprentices to work if they are not certificated. Users of professional products are required to hold a certificate showing they have sufficient knowledge of the subjects listed in Annex I of Guidance on the requirements of the Plant Protection Products (Sustainable Use) Regulations 2012 (https://www.hse.gov.uk/pesticides/using-pesticides/codes-of-practice/guidance-sustainable-use-ppp-regs-2012.htm). This activity is regulated and the qualifications mandated in the standards are all listed in the approved certificates for this purpose. Notes on pesticides (not for submission!)PA1 does still exist for C&G but I don’t think it is a regulated qualification unlike the PA6. The handbook is here: https://www.nptc.org.uk/assets/documents/ee2499867db446fba35f0d2eacd38031.pdf
Level: 2
Ofqual regulated
JustificationThe Forest Industry Safety Accord (FISA) Safety Guide 804 (https://ukfisa.com/Safety/Safety-Guides/fisa-805) which sets out safe practice in training and certification states: For professional chainsaw operators working in forestry, FISA recommends that the minimum level of adequacy of training for chainsaw operations – including aerial tree work, pruning and dismantling – be confirmed by an independent assessment, leading to recognised qualifications (previously referred to as certificates of competence). This is also a common requirement in contracts of service.As recognised most forest land owners will therefore require certificates of competence for workers before they award contracts. For example Forestry Commission (https://www.forestryengland.uk/sites/default/files/pdf/Pre%20commencement%20Meeting.pdf) require all contractors prior to commencing work to demonstrate that their staff have the relevant certificates of competence to the work site. These include specifically for chainsaw use, crosscut, maintenance, felling small trees, felling large trees and windblown trees, depending upon what types of trees are in the contract. Not in the public domain is a more detailed list that includes first aid (+F) and a range of operator tickets. This means that these certificates must be held to work on forestry commission sites (a significant part of the England forest estate) for the apprentice to be able to work on these contracts. In addition, most insurers of forestry works will require that training and certification meet the FISA recommendations, again limiting opportunities for apprentices to work if they are not certificated. Users of professional products are required to hold a certificate showing they have sufficient knowledge of the subjects listed in Annex I of Guidance on the requirements of the Plant Protection Products (Sustainable Use) Regulations 2012 (https://www.hse.gov.uk/pesticides/using-pesticides/codes-of-practice/guidance-sustainable-use-ppp-regs-2012.htm). This activity is regulated and the qualifications mandated in the standards are all listed in the approved certificates for this purpose. Notes on pesticides (not for submission!)PA1 does still exist for C&G but I don’t think it is a regulated qualification unlike the PA6. The handbook is here: https://www.nptc.org.uk/assets/documents/ee2499867db446fba35f0d2eacd38031.pdf
Level: 2
Ofqual regulated
JustificationThe Forest Industry Safety Accord (FISA) Safety Guide 804 (https://ukfisa.com/Safety/Safety-Guides/fisa-805) which sets out safe practice in training and certification states: For professional chainsaw operators working in forestry, FISA recommends that the minimum level of adequacy of training for chainsaw operations – including aerial tree work, pruning and dismantling – be confirmed by an independent assessment, leading to recognised qualifications (previously referred to as certificates of competence). This is also a common requirement in contracts of service.As recognised most forest land owners will therefore require certificates of competence for workers before they award contracts. For example Forestry Commission (https://www.forestryengland.uk/sites/default/files/pdf/Pre%20commencement%20Meeting.pdf) require all contractors prior to commencing work to demonstrate that their staff have the relevant certificates of competence to the work site. These include specifically for chainsaw use, crosscut, maintenance, felling small trees, felling large trees and windblown trees, depending upon what types of trees are in the contract. Not in the public domain is a more detailed list that includes first aid (+F) and a range of operator tickets. This means that these certificates must be held to work on forestry commission sites (a significant part of the England forest estate) for the apprentice to be able to work on these contracts. In addition, most insurers of forestry works will require that training and certification meet the FISA recommendations, again limiting opportunities for apprentices to work if they are not certificated. Users of professional products are required to hold a certificate showing they have sufficient knowledge of the subjects listed in Annex I of Guidance on the requirements of the Plant Protection Products (Sustainable Use) Regulations 2012 (https://www.hse.gov.uk/pesticides/using-pesticides/codes-of-practice/guidance-sustainable-use-ppp-regs-2012.htm). This activity is regulated and the qualifications mandated in the standards are all listed in the approved certificates for this purpose. Notes on pesticides (not for submission!)PA1 does still exist for C&G but I don’t think it is a regulated qualification unlike the PA6. The handbook is here: https://www.nptc.org.uk/assets/documents/ee2499867db446fba35f0d2eacd38031.pdf
Level: 3
Ofqual regulated
JustificationThe Forest Industry Safety Accord (FISA) Safety Guide 804 (https://ukfisa.com/Safety/Safety-Guides/fisa-805) which sets out safe practice in training and certification states: For professional chainsaw operators working in forestry, FISA recommends that the minimum level of adequacy of training for chainsaw operations – including aerial tree work, pruning and dismantling – be confirmed by an independent assessment, leading to recognised qualifications (previously referred to as certificates of competence). This is also a common requirement in contracts of service.As recognised most forest land owners will therefore require certificates of competence for workers before they award contracts. For example Forestry Commission (https://www.forestryengland.uk/sites/default/files/pdf/Pre%20commencement%20Meeting.pdf) require all contractors prior to commencing work to demonstrate that their staff have the relevant certificates of competence to the work site. These include specifically for chainsaw use, crosscut, maintenance, felling small trees, felling large trees and windblown trees, depending upon what types of trees are in the contract. Not in the public domain is a more detailed list that includes first aid (+F) and a range of operator tickets. This means that these certificates must be held to work on forestry commission sites (a significant part of the England forest estate) for the apprentice to be able to work on these contracts. In addition, most insurers of forestry works will require that training and certification meet the FISA recommendations, again limiting opportunities for apprentices to work if they are not certificated. Users of professional products are required to hold a certificate showing they have sufficient knowledge of the subjects listed in Annex I of Guidance on the requirements of the Plant Protection Products (Sustainable Use) Regulations 2012 (https://www.hse.gov.uk/pesticides/using-pesticides/codes-of-practice/guidance-sustainable-use-ppp-regs-2012.htm). This activity is regulated and the qualifications mandated in the standards are all listed in the approved certificates for this purpose. Notes on pesticides (not for submission!)PA1 does still exist for C&G but I don’t think it is a regulated qualification unlike the PA6. The handbook is here: https://www.nptc.org.uk/assets/documents/ee2499867db446fba35f0d2eacd38031.pdf
Level: 3
Ofqual regulated
JustificationThe Forest Industry Safety Accord (FISA) Safety Guide 804 (https://ukfisa.com/Safety/Safety-Guides/fisa-805) which sets out safe practice in training and certification states: For professional chainsaw operators working in forestry, FISA recommends that the minimum level of adequacy of training for chainsaw operations – including aerial tree work, pruning and dismantling – be confirmed by an independent assessment, leading to recognised qualifications (previously referred to as certificates of competence). This is also a common requirement in contracts of service.As recognised most forest land owners will therefore require certificates of competence for workers before they award contracts. For example Forestry Commission (https://www.forestryengland.uk/sites/default/files/pdf/Pre%20commencement%20Meeting.pdf) require all contractors prior to commencing work to demonstrate that their staff have the relevant certificates of competence to the work site. These include specifically for chainsaw use, crosscut, maintenance, felling small trees, felling large trees and windblown trees, depending upon what types of trees are in the contract. Not in the public domain is a more detailed list that includes first aid (+F) and a range of operator tickets. This means that these certificates must be held to work on forestry commission sites (a significant part of the England forest estate) for the apprentice to be able to work on these contracts. In addition, most insurers of forestry works will require that training and certification meet the FISA recommendations, again limiting opportunities for apprentices to work if they are not certificated. Users of professional products are required to hold a certificate showing they have sufficient knowledge of the subjects listed in Annex I of Guidance on the requirements of the Plant Protection Products (Sustainable Use) Regulations 2012 (https://www.hse.gov.uk/pesticides/using-pesticides/codes-of-practice/guidance-sustainable-use-ppp-regs-2012.htm). This activity is regulated and the qualifications mandated in the standards are all listed in the approved certificates for this purpose. Notes on pesticides (not for submission!)PA1 does still exist for C&G but I don’t think it is a regulated qualification unlike the PA6. The handbook is here: https://www.nptc.org.uk/assets/documents/ee2499867db446fba35f0d2eacd38031.pdf
V1.0
This document explains the requirements for end-point assessment (EPA) for the forest craftsperson apprenticeship. End-point assessment organisations (EPAOs) must follow this when designing and delivering the EPA.
Forest craftsperson apprentices, their employers and training providers should read this document.
An approved EPAO must conduct the EPA for this apprenticeship. Employers must select an approved EPAO from the Education and Skills Funding Agency’s Register of end-point assessment organisations (RoEPAO).
A full-time apprentice typically spends 24 months on-programme (this means in training before the gateway) working towards competence as a forest craftsperson. All apprentices must spend at least 12 months on-programme. All apprentices must complete the required amount of off-the-job training specified by the apprenticeship funding rules.
This EPA has 3 assessment methods.
The grades available for each assessment method are:
Assessment method 1 - practical assessment with questions:
Assessment method 2 - multiple-choice test:
Assessment method 3 - professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence:
The result from each assessment method is combined to decide the overall apprenticeship grade. The following grades are available for the apprenticeship:
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On-programme (typically 24 months)
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The apprentice must complete training to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) of the occupational standard.
The apprentice must complete training towards English and maths qualifications in line with the apprenticeship funding rules. The apprentice must complete training towards any other qualifications listed in the occupational standard. The qualification(s) required are: (Core) QNUK Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work +F (RQF) or QA Level 3 Award in Forestry First Aid +F (RQF) or FAA Level 3 Award in Forestry First Aid (Core) Lantra Awards Level 2 Award In Chainsaw Maintenance and Cross-cutting or City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate of Competence in Chainsaw Maintenance and Cross-Cutting (Core) Lantra Awards Level 2 Award In Felling and Processing Trees up to 380mm or City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate of Competence in Felling Small Trees up to 380mm (Establishment & Maintenance) Lantra Awards Level 2 Award in Safe Use of Pesticides or City & Guilds Level 2 Principles of safe handling and application of pesticides (Establishment and Maintenance) ) Lantra Awards Level 2 Award in the Safe Application of Pesticide Using Hand Held Equipment or City & Guilds Level 2 Award In The Safe Application of Pesticides Using Pedestrian Hand Held Equipment (Establishment and Maintenance) City & Guilds NPTC Level 2 Award In the Safe Use of Brush-cutters and Trimmers (Establishment and Maintenance) City & Guilds NPTC Level 2 Award In the Safe Use of Forestry Clearing Saw (Harvesting) Lantra Awards Level 3 Award In Severing Uprooted or Windblown Trees Using a Chainsaw or City & Guilds Level 3 Certificate of Competence in Individual Windblown Trees (Harvesting) Lantra Awards Level 3 Award In Felling and Processing Trees over 380mm or City & Guilds Level 3 Certificate of Competence in Felling and Processing Medium Trees Over 380mm and up to 760mm |
|---|---|
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End-point assessment gateway
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The employer must be content that the apprentice is working at or above the occupational standard.
The apprentice’s employer must confirm that they think the apprentice:
The apprentice must have passed any other qualifications listed in the forest craftsperson occupational standard ST1321. The qualification(s) required are: (Core) QNUK Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work +F (RQF) or QA Level 3 Award in Forestry First Aid +F (RQF) or FAA Level 3 Award in Forestry First Aid The qualification(s) required are: (Core) Lantra Awards Level 2 Award In Chainsaw Maintenance and Cross-cutting or City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate of Competence in Chainsaw Maintenance and Cross-Cutting The qualification(s) required are: (Core) Lantra Awards Level 2 Award In Felling and Processing Trees up to 380mm or City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate of Competence in Felling Small Trees up to 380mm The qualification(s) required are: (Establishment & Maintenance) Lantra Awards Level 2 Award in Safe Use of Pesticides or City & Guilds Level 2 Principles of safe handling and application of pesticides The qualification(s) required are: (Establishment and Maintenance) ) Lantra Awards Level 2 Award in the Safe Application of Pesticide Using Hand Held Equipment or City & Guilds Level 2 Award In The Safe Application of Pesticides Using Pedestrian Hand Held Equipment The qualification(s) required are: (Establishment and Maintenance) City & Guilds NPTC Level 2 Award In the Safe Use of Brush-cutters and Trimmers The qualification(s) required are: (Establishment and Maintenance) City & Guilds NPTC Level 2 Award In the Safe Use of Forestry Clearing Saw The qualification(s) required are: (Harvesting) Lantra Awards Level 3 Award In Severing Uprooted or Windblown Trees Using a Chainsaw or City & Guilds Level 3 Certificate of Competence in Individual Windblown Trees The qualification(s) required are: (Harvesting) Lantra Awards Level 3 Award In Felling and Processing Trees over 380mm or City & Guilds Level 3 Certificate of Competence in Felling and Processing Medium Trees Over 380mm and up to 760mm The apprentice must achieve all of the qualifications listed in the Forest craftsperson occupational standard ST1321 relevant to their chosen option. The apprentice must have achieved English and maths qualifications in line with the apprenticeship funding rules. The apprentice must submit any policies and procedures as requested by the EPAO. |
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End-point assessment (typically 3 months)
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Grades available for each method:
Practical assessment with questions
Multiple-choice test
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
Overall EPA and apprenticeship can be graded:
|
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Re-sits and re-takes
|
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The EPA will be taken within the EPA period. The EPA period begins when the EPAO confirms the gateway requirements are met and is typically 3 months.
The expectation is that the EPAO will confirm the gateway requirements are met and the EPA begins as quickly as possible.
The apprentice’s employer must confirm that they think their apprentice is working at or above the occupational standard. The apprentice will then enter the gateway. The employer may take advice from the apprentice's training provider(s), but the employer must make the decision.
The apprentice must meet the gateway requirements before starting their EPA.
These are:
Portfolio of evidence requirements:
Apprentices must compile a portfolio of evidence during the on-programme period of the apprenticeship. It should contain evidence related to the KSBs that will be assessed by the professional discussion. The portfolio of evidence will typically contain 15 discrete pieces of evidence. Evidence should be mapped against the KSBs.
Evidence may be used to demonstrate more than one KSB; a qualitative as opposed to quantitative approach is suggested. Evidence sources may include:
This is not a definitive list; other evidence sources can be included.
The portfolio should not include reflective accounts or any methods of self-assessment. Any employer contributions should focus on direct observation of performance (for example witness statements) rather than opinions. The evidence provided should be valid and attributable to the apprentice; the portfolio of evidence should contain a statement from the employer and apprentice confirming this.
The EPAO should not assess the portfolio of evidence directly as it underpins the professional discussion. Independent assessors should review the portfolio of evidence to prepare questions for the professional discussion assessment method. They are not required to provide feedback after this review.
The apprentice must submit any policies and procedures as requested by the EPAO.
The assessment methods can be delivered in any order.
The result of one assessment method does not need to be known before starting the next.
In a practical assessment, the independent assessor observes the apprentice completing a task or series of tasks set by the EPAO. The EPAO decides where it takes place, and the test environment must closely relate to the apprentice’s natural working environment.
The practical and responses to questions must be assessed holistically by the independent assessor when they are deciding the grade for the practical assessment.
This EPA method is being used because:
Apprentices must be observed by an independent assessor completing 3 tasks (two from core and one from their selected option) in the practical assessment, in which they will be assessed against the KSBs assigned to this assessment method.
The practical assessment with questions must be structured to give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this EPA method to the highest available grade.
The independent assessor must only observe one apprentice to ensure quality and rigour and they must be as unobtrusive as possible.
The EPAO must give an apprentice 14 days' notice of the practical assessment.
The practical assessment with questions must take 210 minutes.
The independent assessor can increase the time of the practical assessment with questions by up to 10%. This time is to allow the apprentice to complete a task or respond to a question if necessary. The practical assessment and questioning must allow the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs at the highest possible grade.
The practical assessment with questions may take place in parts but must be completed within 1 working day(s). A working day is typically considered to be 7.5 hours long. The reason for this split is that they are likely to be at different locations on the site and are discreet and separate tasks.
EPAOs must manage invigilation of apprentices at all times to maintain security of the EPA, in line with their malpractice policy. This includes breaks and moving between locations.
The independent assessor must explain to the apprentice the format and timescales of the practical assessment with questions before it begins. This does not count towards the assessment time.
The independent assessor should observe the following during the practical assessment:
task 1: monitor and maintain forest and woodland infrastructure (core). this should take 80 minutes overall – 65 minutes observing the task and 15 minutes for questioning.
task 2: plant trees including providing support and protection (core). this should take 50 minutes overall – 40 minutes observing the task and 10 minutes for questioning.
task 3: one of these tasks will be completed depending on the option selected:
These activities provide the apprentice with the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs as shown in the mapping.
Questions must be asked. The purpose of the independent assessor's questions will be to to test underpinning knowledge and any KSBs that were not demonstrated during the practical.
Questions must be asked after each test. The total duration of the practical is 210 minutes and the time for questioning is included in the overall assessment time. The total time for the practical element is 170 minutes. The time allocated for questioning is 40 minutes.
The independent assessor must ask at least 12 questions - 4 per each task/activity. Follow-up questions are allowed. The independent assessor must use the questions from the EPAO’s question bank or create their own questions in-line with the EPAO’s training
The independent assessor can ask questions to clarify answers given by the apprentice. These questions are in addition to the set number of questions for the practical assessment with questions and should be kept to a minimum. The independent assessor can also ask questions to clarify answers given by the apprentice.
The independent assessor conducts and assesses the practical assessment with questions. They must record the KSBs observed, KSBs demonstrated in answers to questions and the grade achieved. The apprentice’s answers to questions must also be recorded.
The independent assessor makes all grading decisions.
The practical assessment with questions will take place in a simulated environment selected by the EPAO (for example the EPAO’s or employer’s premises). The simulated environment must relate to the apprentice’s natural work environment. Equipment and resources needed for the practical assessment with questions must be provided by the EPAO, who can liaise with the employer to provide these.
There should be a designated point of contact for the site if not owned by the EPAO. This could be someone from either the training provider or employer. Due to the remoteness and vast areas that the site may cover this is necessary to ensure apprentices and independent assessors are aware of various key points within the site and have someone to refer to if guidance about logistics is required. They are not directly involved with the practical assessment. This may be as simple as guiding the independent assessor and candidate to the relevant areas of the forest or site.
Questioning that occurs after each test of the practical assessment with questions should take place in a quiet space, free from distractions and influence
EPAOs must write an assessment specification and question bank. The specification must be relevant to the occupation and demonstrate how to assess the KSBs shown in the mapping. It is recommended this is done in consultation with employers of this occupation. EPAOs should maintain the security and confidentiality of EPA materials when consulting employers. The questions must be unpredictable. A question bank of sufficient size will support this. The assessment specification and questions must be reviewed at least once a year to ensure they remain fit-for-purpose.
EPAOs will develop purpose-built question banks and ensure that appropriate quality assurance procedures are in place. For example, considering standardisation, training and moderation. EPAOs will ensure that questions are refined and developed to a high standard.
EPAOs must ensure that apprentices have a different set of questions in the case of re-sits or re-takes.
EPAOs must produce the following materials to support the practical assessment with questions:
A test is an assessment for asking questions in a controlled and invigilated environment.
This EPA method is being used because:
would be difficult in the other assessment methods.
This method must be appropriately structured to give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this EPA method to the highest available grade.
The multiple-choice test can be computer or paper based.
The multiple-choice test will consist of 30 multiple-choice questions.
Multiple-choice questions will have four options, including one correct answer.
Apprentices must be given at least 14 days' notice of the date and time of the multiple-choice test.
Apprentices must have 60 minutes to complete the test.
The multiple-choice test is closed book which means that the apprentice cannot refer to reference books or materials whilst taking the test.
The following equipment is allowed to be used during the multiple-choice test:
calculator
writing materials
The multiple-choice test must be taken in the presence of an invigilator who is the responsibility of the EPAO. Specialised (proctor) software can be used if the test can be taken on-line, to ensure the security of the test.
The EPAO must have an invigilation policy setting out how the multiple-choice test must be conducted. It must state the ratio of apprentices to invigilators for the setting and allow the test to take place in a secure way.
The EPAO must verify the identity of the apprentice.
The EPAO is responsible for the security of the multiple-choice test including the arrangements for on-line testing. The EPAO must ensure that their security arrangements maintain the validity and reliability of the multiple-choice test.
The multiple-choice test must be marked by independent assessors or markers employed by the EPAO. They must follow a marking scheme produced by the EPAO. Marking by computer is allowed where question types support this.
A correct answer gets 1 mark.
Any incorrect or missing answers get zero marks.
The EPAO is responsible for overseeing the marking of the multiple-choice test. The EPAO must ensure standardisation and moderation of written response test.
Apprentices must take the multiple-choice test in a suitably controlled and invigilated environment that is a quiet room, free from distractions and influence. The EPAO must check the venue is suitable.
The multiple-choice test could take place remotely if the appropriate technology and systems are in place to prevent malpractice. EPAOs must verify the apprentice’s identity and ensure invigilation of apprentices for example with, and not limited to, 360-degree cameras and screen sharing facilities.
EPAOs must write a test specification and question bank. The specification must be relevant to the occupation and demonstrate how to assess the KSBs shown in the mapping. It is recommended this is done in consultation with employers of this occupation. EPAOs should maintain the security and confidentiality of EPA materials when consulting employers. The questions must be unpredictable. A question bank of sufficient size will support this. The test specification and questions must be reviewed at least once a year to ensure they remain fit-for-purpose.
EPAOs will develop purpose-built question banks and ensure that appropriate quality assurance procedures are in place, for example, considering previous item performance data, item analysis, standardisation, training and moderation. EPAOs will ensure that questions are refined and developed to a high standard.
EPAOs must ensure that apprentices have a different set of questions in the case of re-sits or re-takes.
EPAOs must produce the following materials to support the multiple-choice test:
In the professional discussion, an independent assessor and apprentice have a formal two-way conversation. It gives the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate their competency across the KSBs as shown in the mapping.
This EPA method is being used because:
it allows scope for the apprentice to demonstrate the depth and breadth of KSBs
The professional discussion must be structured to give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this EPA method to the highest available grade.
The purpose of the independent assessor's questions will be to:
- assess the KSBs mapped to this method against the grading descriptors
- explore aspects of work, including how it was carried out, in more detail
- require the apprentice to draw on their portfolio of evidence to demonstrate the KSBs
The independent assessor should ask a minimum of 12 questions to provide the apprentice with the opportunity to cover the full range of KSBs mapped to this method.
The topics and themes that must be covered are:
The EPAO must give an apprentice 14 days' notice of the professional discussion.
The independent assessor must have at least 4 week(s) to review the supporting documentation.
Apprentices must have access to their portfolio of evidence during the professional discussion.
Apprentices can refer to and illustrate their answers with evidence from their portfolio of evidence, however the portfolio of evidence is not directly assessed.
The professional discussion must last for 70 minutes. The independent assessor can increase the time of the professional discussion by up to 10%. This time is to allow the apprentice to respond to a question if necessary.
For the professional discussion, the independent assessor must ask at least 12 questions. Follow-up questions are allowed. The independent assessor must use the questions from the EPAO’s question bank or create their own questions in-line with the EPAO’s training. The professional discussion must allow the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this EPA method at the highest possible grade.
The independent assessor conducts and assesses the professional discussion.
The independent assessor must keep accurate records of the assessment. The records must include the KSBs met, the grade achieved and answers to questions.
The independent assessor will make all grading decisions.
The professional discussion must take place in a suitable venue selected by the EPAO (for example the EPAO’s or employer’s premises).
The professional discussion can be conducted by video conferencing. The EPAO must have processes in place to verify the identity of the apprentice and ensure the apprentice is not being aided.
The professional discussion should take place in a quiet room, free from distractions and influence.
EPAOs must write an assessment specification and question bank. The specification must be relevant to the occupation and demonstrate how to assess the KSBs shown in the mapping. It is recommended this is done in consultation with employers of this occupation. EPAOs should maintain the security and confidentiality of EPA materials when consulting employers. The questions must be unpredictable. A question bank of sufficient size will support this. The assessment specification and questions must be reviewed at least once a year to ensure they remain fit-for-purpose.
EPAOs will develop purpose-built question banks and ensure that appropriate quality assurance procedures are in place, for example, considering standardisation, training and moderation. EPAOs will ensure that questions are refined and developed to a high standard.
EPAOs must ensure that apprentices have a different set of questions in the case of re-sits or re-takes.
EPAOs must produce the following materials to support the professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence:
Fail - does not meet pass criteria
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Theme
KSBs
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Pass
Apprentices must demonstrate all the pass descriptors
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Distinction
Apprentices must demonstrate all the pass descriptors and all of the distinction descriptors
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(Core) Environment
S2 S13 |
Plans and implements the environmental mitigation measures for a forestry activity, including the storage and disposal of waste and biosecurity in line with legislation and organisational policies. Checks and reports in alignment with the risk assessment. (S2, S13)
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Explains their mitigations with reference to relevant codes of practice. (S2)
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(Core) Forest infrastructure
K11 S7 B1 |
Checks condition of forest infrastructure to ensure functionality. Maintains and repairs forest and woodland infrastructure to instructions. Demonstrates ownership of work, spatial awareness and stamina. (K11, S7, B1) |
Identifies long term improvements that reduce future maintenance requirements, make cost savings or improve functionality. (K11, S7) |
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(Core) Health, safety and welfare
K16 S1 B5 B6 |
Plans and implements health, safety and welfare for self and others including writing a risk assessment for an activity and monitoring, reviewing and communicating this, identifying and adapting to any changes, conditions, situations and working environments. (K16, S1, B5, B6) |
Justifies their assessment of risk and mitigating actions. (S1, B5)
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(Core) Maps and plans
S12 |
Interprets maps and plans to identify site constraints and features. Uses GPS to identify the exact location of activity for an emergency plan. (S12) |
n/a |
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(Core) Measuring
K6 S4 |
Measures diameter at breast height (DBH) and height of trees to enable calculation of timber volumes. Records results accurately. (K6, S4) |
n/a |
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(Core) Planting
K8 K19 S6 S16 |
Stores and handles trees preventing damage and death and maximising establishment potential. (K19, S16) Plants trees and installs protection in line with planting plans and tree type. Demonstrates the correct planting technique(s) in line with organisational guidance. Indicates why the planting technique is suitable for site or conditions. (K8, S6)
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n/a |
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(Core) Transport materials
S14 |
Loads, unloads and transports materials and equipment taking actions to prevent damage to the materials or injury to personnel. (S14) |
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(Core) Tools, equipment and machinery
K12 S8 |
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(Establishment and maintenance) Improve tree crop
K21 S18 |
Carries out brashing and formative pruning, explaining how this improves the quality of the tree crop and when in the lifecycle stages it is needed. (K21, S18)
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Explains how to achieve balance between timber quality and tree health. (K21, S18)
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(Harvesting) Mensuration
K24 S24 |
Calculates timber volumes accurately in standing and felled trees. (K24, S24)
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(Harvesting) Timber processing
S23 |
Prepares timber for extraction, including snedding, measuring accurately, cross cutting and sorting timber to a product specification. (S23) |
n/a |
Fail - does not meet pass criteria
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Theme
KSBs
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Pass
Apprentices must demonstrate all the pass descriptors
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Distinction
Apprentices must demonstrate all the pass descriptors and all of the distinction descriptors
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(Core) Communication
K15 S11 |
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Explains the possible consequences of using communication approaches which do not meet the needs for different audiences. (K15, S11)
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(Core) Digital and record keeping
K14 S10 S15 |
Describes how they maintain records and outlines their purpose and importance. (K14, S10)
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n/a |
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(Core) Pests and diseases
K13 S9 |
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Explains how pests and diseases can spread within and between sites and how to identify future threats. (K13, S9) |
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(Core) Professional development
B2 B3 |
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n/a |
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(Core) Unwanted vegetation
K7 S5 B4 |
Outlines how they identify and control unwanted vegetation, including felling small tress in different weather conditions and justifies the chosen techniques and their use of tools with reference to the need to protect wanted vegetation. (K7, S5, B4)
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n/a |
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(Establishment and maintenance) Protect and maintain trees
K20 K22 S17 S19 |
Outlines the measures they take to minimise competition by vegetation and protection from threats (for example browsing mammals, weather conditions). (K20, S17) Explains how they control vegetation or pests by chemical means using either biocides or organic equivalents in line with legislation. (K22, S19) |
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(Harvesting) Harvest trees
K23 S20 S21 S22 |
Describes how they fell trees motor-manually, including assisted fell techniques and use of hand winches in line with FISA (Forest Industry Safety Accord) industry guidance. Explains the application of different harvesting and extraction systems according to site factors and or conditions including impact on costs of bringing to market. (K23, S21, S22)
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| Grade | Minimum marks required | Maximum marks required |
|---|---|---|
| Fail | 0 | 19 |
| Pass | 20 | 24 |
| Distinction | 25 | 30 |
The EPA methods contribute equally to the overall EPA grade.
Performance in the EPA will determine the apprenticeship grade of:
Independent assessors must individually grade the: practical assessment with questions and professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence according to the requirements set out in this EPA plan.
EPAOs must combine the individual assessment method grades to determine the overall EPA grade.
Apprentices who fail one or more assessment method will be awarded an overall EPA fail.
Apprentices must achieve at least a pass in all the EPA methods to get an overall pass. In order to achieve an overall EPA ‘distinction’, apprentices must achieve two distinctions and a pass to achieve distinction.
Grades from individual assessment methods should be combined in the following way to determine the grade of the EPA as a whole.
| Practical assessment with questions | Multiple-choice test | Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence | Overall Grading |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fail | Any grade | Any grade | Fail |
| Any grade | Fail | Any grade | Fail |
| Any grade | Any grade | Fail | Fail |
| Pass | Pass | Pass | Pass |
| Distinction | Pass | Pass | Pass |
| Pass | Distinction | Pass | Pass |
| Pass | Pass | Distinction | Pass |
| Pass | Distinction | Distinction | Distinction |
| Distinction | Pass | Distinction | Distinction |
| Distinction | Distinction | Pass | Distinction |
| Distinction | Distinction | Distinction | Distinction |
Apprentices who fail one or more EPA method(s) can take a re-sit or a re-take at the employer’s discretion. The apprentice’s employer needs to agree that a re-sit or re-take is appropriate. A re-sit does not need further learning, whereas a re-take does.
Apprentices should have a supportive action plan to prepare for a re-sit or a re-take.
The employer and EPAO agree the timescale for a re-sit or re-take. A re-sit is typically taken within 2 months of the EPA outcome notification. The timescale for a re-take is dependent on how much re-training is required and is typically taken within 4 months of the EPA outcome notification.
Failed EPA methods must be re-sat or re-taken within a 6-month period from the EPA outcome notification, otherwise the entire EPA will need to be re-sat or re-taken in full.
Re-sits and re-takes are not offered to apprentices wishing to move from pass to a higher grade.
An apprentice will get a maximum EPA grade of distinction for a re-sit or re-take, unless the EPAO determines there are exceptional circumstances.
| Roles | Responsibilities |
|---|---|
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Apprentice |
As a minimum, the apprentice should:
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Employer |
As a minimum, the apprentice's employer must:
Post-gateway, the employer must:
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EPAO |
As a minimum, the EPAO must:
|
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Independent assessor |
As a minimum, an independent assessor must:
|
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Training provider |
As a minimum, the training provider must:
|
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Marker |
As a minimum, the marker must:
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Invigilator |
As a minimum, the invigilator must:
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Designated Point of Contact on site |
An additional person required during any practical assessment As a minimum, the competent person will:
|
The EPAO must have reasonable adjustments arrangements for the EPA.
This should include:
Adjustments must maintain the validity, reliability and integrity of the EPA as outlined in this EPA plan.
Internal quality assurance refers to how EPAOs ensure valid, consistent and reliable EPA decisions. EPAOs must adhere to the requirements within the roles and responsibilities section and:
qualified to level 3 in forestry
current recognised assessment qualification
Affordability of the EPA will be aided by using at least some of the following:
Professional body recognition is not relevant to this occupational apprenticeship.
| Knowledge | Assessment methods |
|---|---|
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K1: Core.
Health and safety legislation, codes of practice (including Forest Industry Safety Accord guidance) and policies, including risk assessment. Back to Grading |
Multiple-choice test |
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K2: Core.
Biosecurity and environmental legislation, codes of practice and policies including pollution control. Back to Grading |
Multiple-choice test |
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K3: Core.
Principles of silvicultural practice in the UK including those most commonly used, their application, and the UK Forestry Standard. Back to Grading |
Multiple-choice test |
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K4: Core.
Methods to identify trees and woodland plants including botanical keys taking account of seasonality. Back to Grading |
Multiple-choice test |
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K5: Core.
Plant and tree biology, physiology, lifecycles, growing conditions, landscape and timber properties. Back to Grading |
Multiple-choice test |
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K6: Core.
Techniques for measuring standing trees. Back to Grading |
Practical assessment with questions |
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K7: Core.
Techniques for felling small trees and removing unwanted vegetation. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
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K8: Core.
Techniques for planting, supporting and protecting trees and their suitability to different situations including site conditions. Back to Grading |
Practical assessment with questions |
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K9: Core.
Implications of tree establishment activities on the end product and impact on decision-making process. Back to Grading |
Multiple-choice test |
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K10: Core.
Timber supply chain (for example timber markets and processing) and the actors within it including roles and responsibilities. Back to Grading |
Multiple-choice test |
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K11: Core.
Maintenance requirements for forest infrastructure, for example boundaries and rides. Back to Grading |
Practical assessment with questions |
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K12: Core.
Maintenance, operational requirements and legislation for tools, equipment, machinery, vehicles and attachments. Back to Grading |
Practical assessment with questions |
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K13: Core.
Techniques for identification and control of tree pests, diseases and disorders, including impacts of pests and diseases on timber and the wider environment, and the principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
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K14: Core.
The importance of maintaining records including digital records and reports. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
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K15: Core.
Techniques for communicating with technical and non-technical audiences and the importance of effective communication in the workplace with colleagues, customers and the public. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
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K16: Core.
Implications of changes in conditions, situations and working environments. Back to Grading |
Practical assessment with questions |
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K17: Core.
The importance of recording a portfolio of experience and learning to aid career progression. Back to Grading |
Multiple-choice test |
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K18: Forest establishment and maintenance craftsperson.
The environmental, social and economic value of sustainable forest management. Back to Grading |
Multiple-choice test |
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K19: Core.
Methods for storing, transporting and handling trees and importance for tree health and establishment. Back to Grading |
Practical assessment with questions |
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K20: Core.
(Establishment & maintenance) Techniques for protecting and maintaining plants after planting including purpose, timings and suitability to site conditions. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
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K21: Core.
(Establishment & maintenance) Methods of managing and controlling unwanted vegetation throughout the life cycle of the tree(s). Back to Grading |
Practical assessment with questions |
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K22: Core.
(Establishment & maintenance) Methods for controlling vegetation or pests by chemical means (for example pesticides or organic equivalents). Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
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K23: Core.
(Harvesting) Harvesting and extraction systems including tree felling and the factors affecting the cost of bringing timber to market. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
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K24: Forest harvesting craftsperson.
(Harvesting) Techniques for calculating timber in standing and felled trees. Back to Grading |
Practical assessment with questions |
| Skill | Assessment methods |
|---|---|
|
S1: Core.
Plan, implement, monitor and review health, safety and welfare of self and others, including creating risk assessments, legislative requirements and organisational policies. Back to Grading |
Practical assessment with questions |
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S2: Core.
Plan, implement, check and report environmental mitigation measures, including legal compliance, organisational policies and risk assessment. Back to Grading |
Practical assessment with questions |
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S3: Core.
Identify common forestry trees and woodland plants using scientific names. Back to Grading |
Multiple-choice test |
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S4: Core.
Measure trees for assessment of timber volumes. Back to Grading |
Practical assessment with questions |
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S5: Core.
Identify and control unwanted vegetation including felling small trees using hand and motor manual tools. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
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S6: Core.
Plant trees including providing support and protection. Back to Grading |
Practical assessment with questions |
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S7: Core.
Monitor and maintain forest and woodland infrastructure for example boundaries and rides. Back to Grading |
Practical assessment with questions |
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S8: Core.
Operate and maintain tools, equipment and machinery safely in line with legislation and manufacturers guidance, for example winches, chainsaws or tractors. Back to Grading |
Practical assessment with questions |
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S9: Core.
Monitor and control the impact of pests, diseases and disorders. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
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S10: Core.
Maintain records including digital records and reports. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
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S11: Core.
Communicate to technical and non-technical audiences including the use of verbal and written techniques. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
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S12: Core.
Interpret maps, plans and Global Positioning Systems (GPS). Back to Grading |
Practical assessment with questions |
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S13: Core.
Store and dispose of waste in accordance with regulations, for example chemicals, organic and inorganic waste, pollution and biosecurity controls. Back to Grading |
Practical assessment with questions |
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S14: Core.
Load, unload and transport materials and equipment relative to the business. Back to Grading |
Practical assessment with questions |
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S15: Core.
Process information and communicate using digital technology for example emails, word processing software, video meeting software or applications for recording and sharing information. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
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S16: Core.
Store and handle trees to minimise negative impacts and maximise establishment potential. Back to Grading |
Practical assessment with questions |
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S17: Core.
(Establishment & maintenance) Protect and maintain plants after planting including weeding, cleaning, re-spacing, beating up and application of products to prevent unwanted vegetation (for example mulch mat). Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
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S18: Core.
(Establishment & maintenance) Improve quality of tree crop, including brashing and formative pruning. Back to Grading |
Practical assessment with questions |
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S19: Core.
(Establishment & maintenance) Control vegetation or pests by chemical means (biocides or organic equivalents). Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
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S20: Forest harvesting craftsperson.
(Harvesting) Select trees for harvesting. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
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S21: Core.
(Harvesting) Fell large trees motor-manually including use of assisted fell techniques. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
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S22: Core.
(Harvesting) Use hand winches in forestry. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
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S23: Core.
(Harvesting) Prepare timber for extraction including snedding, measuring, cross cutting and sorting timber to product specification. Back to Grading |
Practical assessment with questions |
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S24: Forest harvesting craftsperson.
(Harvesting) Calculate timber volumes using mensuration techniques. Back to Grading |
Practical assessment with questions |
| Behaviour | Assessment methods |
|---|---|
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B1: Core.
Takes ownership of work including attention to detail, spatial awareness and stamina. Back to Grading |
Practical assessment with questions |
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B2: Core.
Team-focused and works effectively with colleagues and others. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
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B3: Core.
Committed to keeping up to date with industry best practice and seeks to continuously improve and develop. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
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B4: Core.
Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
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B5: Core.
Puts safety first for themselves and others. Back to Grading |
Practical assessment with questions |
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B6: Core.
Respectful of others and tailors communication to audience. Back to Grading |
Practical assessment with questions |
| KSBS GROUPED BY THEME | Knowledge | Skills | Behaviour |
|---|---|---|---|
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(Core) Environment
S2 S13 |
N/A |
Plan, implement, check and report environmental mitigation measures, including legal compliance, organisational policies and risk assessment. (S2) Store and dispose of waste in accordance with regulations, for example chemicals, organic and inorganic waste, pollution and biosecurity controls. (S13) |
N/A |
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(Core) Forest infrastructure
K11 S7 B1 |
Maintenance requirements for forest infrastructure, for example boundaries and rides. (K11) |
Monitor and maintain forest and woodland infrastructure for example boundaries and rides. (S7) |
Takes ownership of work including attention to detail, spatial awareness and stamina. (B1) |
|
(Core) Health, safety and welfare
K16 S1 B5 B6 |
Implications of changes in conditions, situations and working environments. (K16) |
Plan, implement, monitor and review health, safety and welfare of self and others, including creating risk assessments, legislative requirements and organisational policies. (S1) |
Puts safety first for themselves and others. (B5) Respectful of others and tailors communication to audience. (B6) |
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(Core) Maps and plans
S12 |
N/A |
Interpret maps, plans and Global Positioning Systems (GPS). (S12) |
N/A |
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(Core) Measuring
K6 S4 |
Techniques for measuring standing trees. (K6) |
Measure trees for assessment of timber volumes. (S4) |
N/A |
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(Core) Planting
K8 K19 S6 S16 |
Techniques for planting, supporting and protecting trees and their suitability to different situations including site conditions. (K8) Methods for storing, transporting and handling trees and importance for tree health and establishment. (K19) |
Plant trees including providing support and protection. (S6) Store and handle trees to minimise negative impacts and maximise establishment potential. (S16) |
N/A |
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(Core) Transport materials
S14 |
N/A |
Load, unload and transport materials and equipment relative to the business. (S14) |
N/A |
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(Core) Tools, equipment and machinery
K12 S8 |
Maintenance, operational requirements and legislation for tools, equipment, machinery, vehicles and attachments. (K12) |
Operate and maintain tools, equipment and machinery safely in line with legislation and manufacturers guidance, for example winches, chainsaws or tractors. (S8) |
N/A |
|
(Establishment and maintenance) Improve tree crop
K21 S18 |
(Establishment & maintenance) Methods of managing and controlling unwanted vegetation throughout the life cycle of the tree(s). (K21) |
(Establishment & maintenance) Improve quality of tree crop, including brashing and formative pruning. (S18) |
N/A |
|
(Harvesting) Mensuration
K24 S24 |
(Harvesting) Techniques for calculating timber in standing and felled trees. (K24) |
(Harvesting) Calculate timber volumes using mensuration techniques. (S24) |
N/A |
|
(Harvesting) Timber processing
S23 |
N/A |
(Harvesting) Prepare timber for extraction including snedding, measuring, cross cutting and sorting timber to product specification. (S23) |
N/A |
| KSBS GROUPED BY THEME | Knowledge | Skills | Behaviour |
|---|---|---|---|
|
(Core) Communication
K15 S11 |
Techniques for communicating with technical and non-technical audiences and the importance of effective communication in the workplace with colleagues, customers and the public. (K15) |
Communicate to technical and non-technical audiences including the use of verbal and written techniques. (S11) |
N/A |
|
(Core) Digital and record keeping
K14 S10 S15 |
The importance of maintaining records including digital records and reports. (K14) |
Maintain records including digital records and reports. (S10) Process information and communicate using digital technology for example emails, word processing software, video meeting software or applications for recording and sharing information. (S15) |
N/A |
|
(Core) Pests and diseases
K13 S9 |
Techniques for identification and control of tree pests, diseases and disorders, including impacts of pests and diseases on timber and the wider environment, and the principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). (K13) |
Monitor and control the impact of pests, diseases and disorders. (S9) |
N/A |
|
(Core) Professional development
B2 B3 |
N/A |
N/A |
Team-focused and works effectively with colleagues and others. (B2) Committed to keeping up to date with industry best practice and seeks to continuously improve and develop. (B3) |
|
(Core) Unwanted vegetation
K7 S5 B4 |
Techniques for felling small trees and removing unwanted vegetation. (K7) |
Identify and control unwanted vegetation including felling small trees using hand and motor manual tools. (S5) |
Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions. (B4) |
|
(Establishment and maintenance) Protect and maintain trees
K20 K22 S17 S19 |
(Establishment & maintenance) Techniques for protecting and maintaining plants after planting including purpose, timings and suitability to site conditions. (K20) (Establishment & maintenance) Methods for controlling vegetation or pests by chemical means (for example pesticides or organic equivalents). (K22) |
(Establishment & maintenance) Protect and maintain plants after planting including weeding, cleaning, re-spacing, beating up and application of products to prevent unwanted vegetation (for example mulch mat). (S17) (Establishment & maintenance) Control vegetation or pests by chemical means (biocides or organic equivalents). (S19) |
N/A |
|
(Harvesting) Harvest trees
K23 S20 S21 S22 |
(Harvesting) Harvesting and extraction systems including tree felling and the factors affecting the cost of bringing timber to market. (K23) |
(Harvesting) Select trees for harvesting. (S20) (Harvesting) Fell large trees motor-manually including use of assisted fell techniques. (S21) (Harvesting) Use hand winches in forestry. (S22) |
N/A |
Contact us about this apprenticeship
| Version | Change detail | Earliest start date | Latest start date | Latest end date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | Approved for delivery | 18/08/2022 | Not set | Not set |