Tilhill Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Forestry and Arboriculture

Further Details
Course Code
LP01565
Location
Llysfasi
Duration
Full Time, This is a 2 year full time course, with 4 days per week in college, and one day in work experience.
Department
Forestry & The Countryside
Start Date
01 Sep 2025
End Date
18 Jun 2027
Course Overview
The Tilhill Diploma in Forestry and Arboriculture, is part of a unique partnership between Coleg Llysfasi and Tilhill Forestry, the largest forest and woodland management company in the UK. Specially designed to prepare you for a successful career in forestry, the course will get you ‘industry ready’ and trained for employment.

In the modern high tech world of forestry, tree knowledge is at the very heart of what we do, be it commercial forestry or woodland management. We will guide you through the technical aspects of identifying different species, to the science of how they work, from establishing trees, tending them and protecting them from pests and diseases, to managing trees for production, conservation and amenity, right through to the final felling, harvesting and processing of timber. You will learn to operate the tools, equipment and machinery necessary to work in this modern and exciting industry, including chainsaws, woodchippers, tractors, skidders and forwarders.

Throughout, you will work towards industry standards and will gain and develop practical skills, as well as an understanding of theoretical issues within the industry. There is a significant emphasis on practical work in the course, plenty of opportunity to get hands on and close up to trees. Educational trips to Tilhill Forestry and BSW sites throughout the supply chain provide further learning opportunities on commercial sites which include visits, practical sessions and on site work experience. Close industry links provide learners real life work situations, coupled with a substantial work placement, you will gain all the experience you need to get you off to a flying start in your first job.

To complement the main course, a range of additional qualifications are possible (at cost) such as chainsaws, ATV quads, brushcutters, wood chippers, pesticide application and tractor driving.

You will also have the opportunity to work on community projects, and other activities, as well as your own individual project, whilst working towards completing the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate.
Each of the units of the qualification are assessed by a range of assignments, which assess both practical skills, knowledge and understanding, as appropriate to the unit.

All assignments must be passed to pass the units, and all units must be passed to gain the qualification. Assessment is ongoing throughout the course, with set deadlines for individual tasks. Grades awarded for each assignment, contribute to the overall qualification grade.
5 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above including English/Welsh (1st Language), Maths and Science, or successful completion of a relevant Level 2 qualification.

At Coleg Cambria we would encourage you to do the very best that you can in your exams. The better your grades the more options you will have, and may result in you gaining entry onto a higher level course.
Successful students with high grades in the first stage of the Tilhill Diploma will be eligible to apply to the second stage of the Tilhill Diploma at Coleg Cambria Llysfasi: The Tilhill Foundation Degree in Forestry and Woodland Management. Candidates will be interviewed by Tilhill staff, and if successful, will receive mentoring, technical input and support from Tilhill Forestry, as well as bespoke training and work placements as part of the course, and will be ideally situated for future employment in the company.

Alternatively, completion of the qualification could lead to a job or apprenticeship with either forestry, arboriculture or countryside companies and organisations. This may be working for a forest management company, an estate, landowner, contractor or local authority. You could work as a Forestry Contractor/Operator, Forest Ranger, Forest Craftsman, Forest Supervisor, Boundary Contractor and much more besides.

You may instead decide to continue studying at university on a related course such as a Countryside Management Degree (BSc), Forestry and Woodland Management Foundation Degree, Woodland Conservation Management FdSc, Woodland Conservation Management BSc (Hons), Forestry (BSc), or Urban Forestry (HND) for example.
Some courses may require kit/uniform to be purchased. Please see attached kit list for further information.
Useful downloads
Useful Downloads
Kit List

Ready to begin your journey?

Our Open Days

Our Open Days are your chance to explore the College and find out about the range of courses we offer.

Accessible Open Event – Deeside & Deeside Sixth
13/03/2025

17:00

Neurodiverse people who want to study at Cambria are invited to our Accessible Open Events. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore everything Cambria has to offer in a sensory-supportive setting.
Accessible Open Event – Northop
26/03/2025

17:00

Neurodiverse people who want to study at Cambria are invited to our Accessible Open Events. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore everything Cambria has to offer in a sensory-supportive setting.
Accessible Open Event – Yale & Yale Sixth
19/03/2025

17:00

Neurodiverse people who want to study at Cambria are invited to our Accessible Open Events. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore everything Cambria has to offer in a sensory-supportive setting.
Accessible Open Event – Bersham Road
20/03/2025

17:00

Neurodiverse people who want to study at Cambria are invited to our Accessible Open Events. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore everything Cambria has to offer in a sensory-supportive setting.

Got a question?

Here’s how you can get in touch

A blue phone icon

Contact us

Email Us

Email

Got a question?

Here’s how you can get in touch

A blue phone icon

Contact us

Email Us

Email

You have successfully added this course to
your shortlist, are you ready to apply?