You may have heard that there have been changes to training and qualifications within our industry.
Why has this happened?
The National Occupational Standards (NOS) for Trees and Timber were revised and re-written by a team of industry consultants for LANTRA Sector Skills Council (SSC) during 2011.
The Trees and Timber Industry Group were advised by industry that the 2009 NOS were not fit for purpose. Therefore the NOS were re-written to ensure it had full industry commitment before it was signed off in December 2011.
As a result of changes to the NOS, LANTRA SSC required the production of a new suite of Framework compliant units. These units consist of generic outcomes and assessment criteria. They have been collaboratively developed by teams of industry specialists under the direction and close supervision of LANTRA SSC.
The new units are now known by their unit/qualification title and not prefixed by “CS “as previously named.
What does this mean for you?
The CS units from City & Guilds NPTC have now been replaced by the new units so that they meet the recently revised NOS (National Occupational Standards).
Both Lantra Awards and City and Guilds NPTC now offer exactly the same qualifications.
For example –
Level 2 Award in Chainsaw Maintenance and Crosscutting.
Level 2 Award in Felling and Processing Trees up to 380mm etc.
Most of the qualifications remain similar to the old CS units with some slight changes in line with current best practice. There are also some additional new qualifications available.
The choice is yours regarding how you achieve these qualifications. Both Lantra Awards and City and Guilds NPTC offer training courses in order to prepare you for the usual Independent assessment. These assessments can be booked via a Lantra Awards Centre or an City & Guilds NPTC Assessment Centre, both of whom have a list of accredited assessors.
Land Skills Training & Assessments Ltd are a City & Guilds Assessment Centre.
In summary Lantra Awards and City and Guilds NPTC are both offering training and assessment in the same new qualifications. Both organisations say this should make it a more streamlined process and give you better value for money.