Course details

Summary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Entry criteria

Academic:

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

English language requirements:

All applicants must have a level of English sufficient to be able to study at this level.
If English is not your first language, you must demonstrate an IELTS overall band score (academic) of at least 5.5, with no band score less than 5.0, issued within the last two years OR equivalent acceptable English proficiency.

Special entry

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

Other requirements

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