C
Arborists are currently on the National Skills Needs List and with falling training enrolment numbers, employers are facing severe challenges in attracting skilled staff. The current qualifications have been identified as having structural barriers to entry, which make them exceptionally difficult to deliver.Expert members of the Amenity Horticulture, Landscape, Conservation and Land Management Industry Reference Committee (IRC) identified that enrolments in the arboriculture qualifications are unlikely to rise unless significant barriers to training are removed, both for learners and registered training organisations (RTOs). This project will review the existing arboriculture qualifications and 42 related units of competency to update the content to reflect current industry practice, remove significant and unnecessary barriers to training and assessment, and satisfy the
Standards for Training Packages 2012.Skills Impact and the Amenity Horticulture, Landscaping, Conservation and Land Management Industry Reference Committee (IRC) will manage this project, consistent with the
2012 Standards for Training Package Development.
Download the Case for Change
P
Project Scope
This project will review the existing six arboriculture qualifications and 42 related units of competency to update the content to reflect current industry practice, remove significant and unnecessary barriers to training and assessment, and satisfy the Standards for Training Packages 2012.Arborists are currently on the National Skills Needs List and with falling training enrolment numbers, employers are facing severe challenges in attracting skilled staff. Some of the current qualifications have been identified as having structural barriers to entry. Some of the current units contain prerequisites and content which make them exceptionally difficult to deliver.Scroll down to view the qualification and list of units that will be reviewed in this project. They will be incorporated in the AHC Agriculture, Horticulture and Conservation and Land Management Training Package.Register your interest in the project
Subscribe to the Skills Impact newsletter to keep informed about project updates and opportunities to provide input and feedback. Make sure to select ‘Agriculture, Horticulture, Conservation & Land Management’ as your industry of interest on the subscription form. |
Relevant Occupations
- Arborist, including:
- Climbing Arborist
- Elevated work platform (EWP) Arborist
- Ground-based Arborist
- Supervising Arborist
- Consulting Arborists
- Senior Arborist
Key deliverables
Review of the six existing arboriculture qualifications and 42 existing arboriculture units of competency in the
AHC Agriculture, Horticulture and Conservation and Land Management Training Package. The project may develop up to five new units and/or five new skill sets.
Timeline
September – October 2018
Initial scoping
October 2018 – January 2019
Development of draft qualifications, skill sets and units
February 2019
Drafts available for broader consultation
March – April 2019
Validation of final drafts
April – May 2019
Finalisation of Training Package components
May – June 2019
Independent Quality Assurance, and Edit and Equity review of Training Package components
June 2019
IRC consideration for sign-off and submission for endorsement
Project Team
| Tom Vassallo | Industry Skills Standards Manager [email protected] |
| Kate Vanson | Industry Engagement Manager, Skills Impact [email protected] |
| Ron Barrow | Industry Skills Standards Contractor, Nestor Consulting |
The Amenity Horticulture, Landscaping, Conservation and Land Management Industry Reference Committee (IRC) will oversee this project, as part of their responsibilities to support engagement with the sector, and to ensure projects meets industry stakeholder needs.
Qualification and units
Below is a list of current qualifications and units proposed for revision as part of this project. In preparation for the review of these components, we invite you to provide your input on the current qualifications and units. We would like to know what changes or updates should be made to the components so that they meet the skills needs of the industry.To provide feedback, please use our
feedback form. Alternatively, you can email Tom Vassallo
[email protected].
Qualifications that will be reviewed as part of this project include:
Units that will be reviewed as part of this project include:
Stakeholder Consultation Process
A list of key stakeholder organisations is being developed for this project. Skills Impact will ensure contact is made with each of these organisations during the development of this project to seek their involvement and their views on the draft qualifications and units.If you are aware of an organisation that you think should be involved, please contact the project team to ensure they are contacted by us.Of course, all and any interested industry participants are encouraged to engage in the consultation of this project, when the draft qualifications and units are available for feedback via this webpage and workshops that take place around Australia. Consultation is not limited to the organisations on this list. This list simply helps us to identify those organisations that, because of their industry role, size or specialty, are likely to have a key interest in the development and outcomes of this project.
Opportunities for stakeholder input
Stakeholder input is appreciated throughout the duration of this project. The documents will be drafted in consultation with Subject Matter Experts and their networks. Opportunities to provide targeted feedback will occur when the draft materials are made available, which is expected in October 2018, and again for validation of final drafts which is expected in February 2019. However, your feedback is welcomed at any time, and will help us in drafting the qualification and units. It is important that training provides a skilled and flexible workforce for the future. The qualification and units need to reflect real work experience. So if you work in the sector, Skills Impact would appreciate your input and help. Please feel free to register your interest for project updates and consultation opportunities by following the newsletter subscription link below. Alternatively, please feel free to contact the project manager, Tom Vassallo on 03 9321 3526 or
[email protected].
Subject Matter Experts
Subject Matter Experts will be drawn on throughout this project to help review and draft the revised units, skill sets and qualifications.If you are interested in applying to be a subject matter expert and are able to volunteer your time to this project, please email details of your expertise to
[email protected].
D
Work has progressed in the review and redesign of the six existing Arboriculture qualifications and 42 related units of competency in the AHC Agriculture, Horticulture and Conservation and Land Management Training Package. This work is assisted by input from a Subject Matter Expert Working Group that includes representatives from various sectors of the Arboriculture industry across Australia.Please feel free to register your interest to keep informed of project updates and when draft units are available for feedback.
Public consultation workshops – Registrations open!
The revised draft qualifications, skill sets and units will be made available on this webpage for public consideration and feedback throughout all of February 2019 (under the ‘Drafts Available’ menu above). Face-to-face consultation workshops will also take place, across states and territories, with two webinars planned for those unable to attend in person. Registrations for these workshops are now open. Please feel free to register for a workshop near you or a webinar by clicking the corresponding link.
Register your interest in the project
Subscribe to the Skills Impact newsletter to keep informed about project updates and opportunities to provide input and feedback. Make sure to select ‘Agriculture, Horticulture, Conservation & Land Management’ as your industry of interest on the subscription form. |
C
Thank you to those who provided feedback on the draft qualifications, units of competency and skill sets relating to arboriculture management. The documents were made available on this webpage for broad stakeholder review from 8 February – 11 March 2019.In particular, feedback was requested on some of the major changes proposed, including:
- Significant redesign of the Certificate III and Diploma qualifications
- The Certificate IV in Arboriculture is proposed for deletion based on industry advice. There were no enrolments in the qualification in 2016 and only seven enrolments in 2017. It had five Arboriculture specific units with an AQF level 4 identifier in the code. Three of these units have been revised are now electives in the redesigned Certificate III of Arboriculture.
- Significant changes to many of the Arboriculture sector units listed in the Certificate III and Diploma qualifications, including the removal or prerequisite units
- The addition of a statement in some units (listed in the Certificate II and III qualifications) that requires the work described in the unit to be carried out according to industry standards. Using AHCARB307 Use arborist climbing techniques as an example - “The arboriculture industry requires that all climbing work is undertaken according to current industry standards, including Minimum Industry Standard MIS305 Tree Climbing and other relevant Minimum Industry Standards” (Note - The MIS can be purchased from Arboriculture Australia).
- Two proposed new skill sets
Feedback was sought on any issues with the drafts, with a focus on whether the draft qualifications, skill sets and units reflect the current skills standards and practices of industry, and whether job functions are accurately described.Feedback will inform the work on the final drafts which will be available for industry validation in April 2019.
Summary of consultation to date
Feedback on the draft documents was collected via the online feedback hub, face-to-face consultation workshops and a webinar. To view the draft documents, including comments that were made on them from people using the feedback hub, please click on the expandable document menus below.The draft qualifications, skill sets and units have been developed in consultation with a Subject Matter Expert (SME) working group that includes representatives from various sectors of the Arboriculture industry across Australia. Four SME meetings were held between October and December 2018, and the SMEs have also been in between meetings. After undertaking a Workforce Functional Analysis, the SMEs provided detailed information on the skills and knowledge required to perform the job roles and functions, which has informed the development of the drafts now available.
Qualifications
| AHC41916 Certificate IV in Arboriculture | The Certificate IV in Arboriculture is proposed for deletion. Industry advised that it should be deleted, as it no longer meets the needs of industry. There were no enrolments in the qualification in 2016 and only seven enrolments in 2017.The existing Certificate IV has five Arboriculture specific units with an AQF level 4 identifier in the code. Three of these units have been revised are now electives in the redesigned Certificate III of Arboriculture to support a ‘leading hand’ specialisation as requested by industry SMEs:
- AHCARB401 Verify pruning specifications
- AHCARB402 Supervise and audit tree operations
- AHCARB404 Conduct a safety audit
Based on SME advice, AHCARB403 Perform a ground-based tree defect evaluation has been added to the core of the redesigned Diploma of Arboriculture. AHCARB405 Perform geospatial data collection has been proposed for deletion – refer to the comments in under the heading 'Units Proposed for Deletion'. | View qualification |
Skill Sets
| AHCSSXXXXX Introduction to arboriculture skill set | This new skill set provides skills for entry-level arborist work and provides direct credit into the Certificate III in Arboriculture.Attainment of this skill set also meets the proposed entry into the Diploma of Arboriculture. | View skill set |
| AHCSSXXXX Basic tree worker skill set | This new skill set provides basic skills for individuals entering the arboriculture industry without a full qualification, including essential skills to perform basic work performed as a grounds person safely in arboriculture work environments.The units in this skill set also provide credit transfer into the Certificate II or Certificate III in Arboriculture. | View skill set |
Units of Competency
| AHCARB2XX Apply treatments to trees | View unit |
| AHCARB206 Operate and maintain stump grinding machines | View unit |
| AHCARB207 Perform ground based rigging | View unit |
| AHCARB208 Recognise trees | View unit |
| AHCARB209 Assist with aerial rescue from the ground | View unit |
| AHCARB210 Work effectively in the arboriculture industry | View unit |
Please note there will be an additional two units at this level, that will be made available to feedback mid February 2019.| AHCARB301 Implement a tree maintenance program | View unit |
| AHCARB302 Inspect trees for access and work | View unit |
| AHCARB303 Perform pruning operations | View unit |
| AHCARB3XX Dismantle trees | View unit |
| AHCARB306 Undertake aerial rescue | View unit |
| AHCARB3XX Use arborist climbing techniques | View unit |
| AHCARB3XX Install tree support systems | View unit |
| AHCARB309 Implement a tree protection program | View unit |
| AHCARB3XX Access tree for inspection or ecology | View unit |
| AHCARB313 Identify trees | View unit |
| AHCARB401 Verify pruning specifications | View unit |
| AHCARB402 Supervise and audit tree operations | View unit |
| AHCARB403 Perform a ground-based tree defect evaluation | View unit |
| AHCARB404 Conduct a safety audit | View unit |
| AHCARB502 Identify, select and specify trees | View unit |
| AHCARB504 Develop an arboricultural impact assessment report | View unit |
| AHCARB5XX Specify and audit tree work | View unit |
| AHCARB506 Prepare arborist reports | View unit |
| AHCARB507 Generate tree plans using computer-aided design software | View unit |
| AHCARB5XX Examine and assess trees | View unit |
| AHCARB5XX Diagnose tree diseases | View unit |
| AHCARB603 Interpret diagnostic test results | View unit |
| AHCARB604 Measure and improve the performance of urban forests | View unit |
| AHCARB605 Provide consultation in a legal framework | View unit |
| AHCARB606 Develop an operational tree management plan | View unit |
| AHCARB607 Review and develop strategic tree policy | View unit |
| AHCARB8XX Analyse tree biomechanics | View unit |
| AHCARB8XX Analyse mycology cultures | View unit |
| AHCARB8XX Research urban forest performance | View unit |
| AHCARB8XX Conduct an entomology research project | View unit |
| AHCARB801 Contextualise diagnostic tests | View unit |
| AHCARB802 Develop an urban forest management framework | View unit |
| AHCARB803 Analyse edaphic interactions of trees and structures | View unit |
Please use the links below to view the units.
| AHCARB310 Perform aerial rigging | The unit is only listed in the Certificates III in Arboriculture.Industry advised that the outcomes of this unit are better embedded in the redesigned AHCARB305 Dismantle trees. Therefore, AHCARB310 Perform aerial rigging is obsolete and is proposed for deletion. | View unit |
| AHCARB311 Tie, dress, set and finish arborist knots | The unit is only listed in the Certificates II and III in Arboriculture.Industry advised that the outcomes of this unit are better embedded in several other redesigned AHCARB units, where knots are used, in particular:
- AHCARB207 Perform ground based rigging
- AHCARB312 Use standard climbing techniques to access trees
- AHCARB307 Use advanced climbing techniques
- AHCARB306 Undertake aerial rescue
- AHCARB305 Dismantle trees
Therefore, AHCARB311 Tie, dress, set and finish arborist knots is obsolete and proposed for deletion. | View unit |
| AHCARB405 Perform geospatial data collection | The unit no longer meets industry needs and is only listed in the Certificate IV in Arboriculture that is also proposed for deletion.Industry has advised that two existing units - CPPSIS5035 Obtain and validate spatial data and CPPSIS5064 Coordinate GIS data manipulation better meet the needs of the arboriculture industry.Therefore AHCARB405 Perform geospatial data collection is obsolete and proposed for deletion. | View unit |
Register your interest in the project
Subscribe to the Skills Impact newsletter to keep informed about project updates and opportunities to provide input and feedback. Make sure to select ‘Agriculture, Horticulture, Conservation & Land Management’ as your industry of interest on the subscription form. |
V
Thank you to those who participated in the validation process for the final draft qualification, skill sets and units of competency for arboriculture. The final drafts were available on this webpage for feedback and comment from 26 April – 12 May 2019.They have been revised to improve the accessibility of the qualifications and to better match job roles. The final draft qualification, skill sets and units that were available for industry validation are listed below.The final drafts will shortly progress through to the Finalisation stage of the project which includes quality assurance of the documents and review and feedback from the State/Territory Training Authorities. They will then be forwarded to the Amenity Horticulture, Landscaping, Conservation & Land Management Industry Reference Committee for consideration and sign off, before being submitted to the Australian Industry and Skills Committee (AISC) to consider and approve for publication on training.gov.au.Validation means checking and confirming that the documents are logical and factually accurate.
Summary of consultation
Prior to the Validation period, the draft qualifications, skill sets and units of competency were made available on the Skills Impact website under the ‘Drafts Available’ stage from 8 February – 11 March 2019. The drafts included five revised qualifications, two new skill sets and 39 revised units. Feedback was also sought on the proposed deletion of the existing
AHC41916 Certificate IV in Arboriculture Certificate and three existing units.The feedback received has been considered with assistance from a Subject Matter Expert Working Group that includes that includes representatives from various sectors of the Arboriculture industry across Australia.A description of how feedback has been considered and applied in the “drafts available” stage can be downloaded below.
Qualifications
Click here to download a zipped folder of all qualifications in this group.
| Title | Changes | Link |
| AHC2XXXX Certificate II in Arboriculture | Minor change to Qualification Description.Change to Packaging Rules, Core Units, Prerequisite Units, and Change to Qualifications Mapping Information. | Download final draft qualification |
| AHC3XXXX Certificate III in Arboriculture | Minor change to Qualification Description.Minor correction to crane specialisation unit title.Changes to leading hand specialisation units.Minor changes to elective units. | Download final draft qualification |
| AHC5XXXX Diploma of Arboriculture | Minor change to Qualification Description, Qualifications Mapping Information, and Packaging Rules, with the addition of ‘that reflect outcomes at AQF level 4 or above.’ | Download final draft qualification |
| AHC6XXXX Advanced Diploma of Arboriculture | Changes to Qualification Description and Entry Requirements.Minor changes to Elective Units.Removal of Prerequisite requirements table. | Download final draft qualification |
| AHC8XXXX Graduate Diploma of Arboriculture | Minor change to Modification History, Qualifications Description and Qualification Mapping Information.Changes to Entry Requirements. | Download final draft qualification |
| Title | Comment | Link |
| AHC41916 Certificate IV in Arboriculture | The Certificate IV in Arboriculture is proposed for deletion. Industry advised that it should be deleted, as it no longer meets the needs of industry. There were no enrolments in the qualification in 2016 and only seven enrolments in 2017.The existing Certificate IV has five Arboriculture specific units with an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level 4 identifier in the code. Three of these units have been revised are now electives in the redesigned Certificate III of Arboriculture to support a ‘leading hand’ specialisation as requested by industry subject matter experts:
- AHCARB401 Verify pruning specifications
- AHCARB402 Supervise and audit tree operations
- AHCARB403 Perform a ground-based tree defect evaluation
- AHCARB404 Conduct a safety audit
Based on SME advice, AHCARB403 Perform a ground-based tree defect evaluation has been added to the core of the redesigned Diploma of Arboriculture. AHCARB405 Perform geospatial data collection is proposed for deletion – refer to the comments under the heading ‘Units Proposed for Deletion’. | View qualification |
Skill Sets
Click here to download a zipped folder of both skill sets.
Units of Competency
Click here to download a zipped folder of all units in this group.
| Title | Changes | Link |
| AHCARBXX2XX Apply treatments to trees (Note – title has changed from 'apply a range of treatments to trees') | Minor change to Performance Criteria 1.2, Unit Mapping Information and Knowledge Evidence.Changes to Performance Evidence. | Download final draft unit |
| AHCARBXX206 Operate and maintain stump grinding machines | Minor change to Application, Foundation Skills, Unit Mapping Information, Performance Evidence, Knowledge Evidence, and Assessment Conditions.Minor change to Performance Criteria 1.4, 2.3, 2.6, 4.3, 5.2 deleted 3.4 renumbered Elements 3,4 and 5. | Download final draft unit |
| AHCARBXX207 Perform ground based rigging | Minor change to Performance Criteria content 1.2, and 3.4.Minor change to Unit Mapping Information, Performance Evidence, and Minor changes to Knowledge Evidence. | Download final draft unit |
| AHCARBXX208 Recognise trees | Minor edits to Foundation Skills, Unit Mapping Information, Performance Evidence, and Knowledge Evidence. | Download final draft unit |
Click here to download a zipped folder of all units in this group.
| Title | Change | Link |
| AHCARBXX301 Implement a tree maintenance program | Minor change to Application statement, Foundation Skills, Unit Mapping Information, Performance Evidence, Knowledge Evidence, and Minor change to Assessment Conditions.Minor changes to Performance Criteria 1.2, 2.3, 2.4, 3.5. | Download final draft unit |
| AHCARBXX302 Inspect trees for access and work | Minor change to Application statement, Unit Mapping Information, Knowledge Evidence, and Assessment Conditions.Minor changes to Performance Criteria 1.4, and 2.3. Deleted 3.4.Changes to Performance Evidence. | Download final draft unit |
| AHCARBXX303 Perform pruning operations | Minor change to Application statement, Unit Mapping Information, Knowledge Evidence, and Assessment Conditions.Minor changes to Performance Criteria 1.2, 2.4, 3.1, and 5.3. Deleted 5.5.Changes to Performance Evidence. | Download final draft unit |
| AHCARBXX305 Dismantle trees | Changes to Application statement, Performance Evidence, and Assessment Conditions.Minor changes to Performance Criteria 2.3, 2.7, and 3.3. Corrected numbering Element 3 and Element 4.Minor edit to Foundation Skills.Minor changes to Unit Mapping Information and Knowledge Evidence. | Download final draft unit |
| AHCARBXX306 Undertake aerial rescue | Minor change to Application statement, Unit Mapping Information, and Knowledge Evidence.Minor changes to Performance Criteria 1.6, and 3.1.Changes to Foundation Skills, Performance Evidence and Changes to Assessment Conditions. | Download final draft unit |
| AHCARBXX3XX Use arborist climbing techniques | Minor change to Performance Criteria 2.5, Unit Mapping Information, Knowledge Evidence, Assessment Conditions.Changes to Performance Evidence. | Download final draft unit |
| AHCARBXX3XX Install tree support systems (Note – title has changed from 'install cable and bracing') | Minor change to Application statement, Unit Mapping Information, Performance Evidence, Knowledge Evidence, and Minor change to Assessment Conditions.Minor changes to Performance Criteria 1.3. | Download final draft unit |
| AHCARBXX309 Implement a tree protection program | Minor change to Application statement and Unit Mapping Information.Minor changes to Performance Criteria 1.2.Minor edit to Foundation Skills.Added AS4970 to Performance Evidence, Knowledge Evidence and Assessment Conditions. | Download final draft unit |
| AHCARBXX3XX Access tree for inspection or ecology(Note – title has changed from 'use standard climbing techniques') | Minor change to Performance Criteria 1.2 and Unit Mapping Information.Minor changes to Performance Evidence.Minor edits to Knowledge Evidence. | Download final draft unit |
| AHCARBXX313 Identify trees | Minor changes to Performance Criteria 3.3 and Knowledge Evidence.Minor edits to Foundation Skills.Minor change to Unit Mapping Information and Performance Evidence. | Download final draft unit |
NEW - NOT PREVIOUSLY RELEASED
| AHCARBXX3XX Use cranes to access and dismantle trees (new unit) | Minor change to Application, Unit Mapping Information and Assessment Conditions.Changes to Performance Evidence.Editing changes to Knowledge Evidence. | Download final draft unit |
| AHCARBXX3XX Manage trees to create and maintain habitat refuges (new unit) | Changes to Performance Criteria 1.4, 2.3, 2.4, 2.6, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.8, 3.9, and 3.10. Deleted 3.7.Added Foundation Skills.Minor change to Unit Mapping Information.Changes to Performance Evidence and Knowledge Evidence.Minor changes to Assessment Conditions. | Download final draft unit |
Click here to download a zipped folder of all units in this group.
| Title | Changes | Link |
| AHCARBXX401 Verify pruning specifications | Minor change to Application, Unit Mapping Information, and Assessment Conditions.Minor change to Element 1, 2 and 3.Minor change to Performance Criteria 1.1, 4.3 deleted 3.4.Minor edits to Foundation Skills.Minor changes to Performance Evidence and Knowledge Evidence. | Download final draft unit |
| AHCARBXX402 Supervise and audit tree operations | Minor change to Application and Mapping Information.Minor edits to Foundation Skills and Knowledge Evidence. | Download final draft unit |
| AHCARBXX403 Perform a ground-based tree defect evaluation | Minor change to Performance Criteria 2.1.Minor change to Unit Mapping Information and Performance Evidence.Minor edits to Knowledge Evidence. | Download final draft unit |
| AHCARBXX404 Conduct a safety audit | Minor edits to Foundation Skills and Knowledge Evidence.Minor change to Unit Mapping Information.Minor edit to Performance Evidence. | Download final draft unit |
Click here to download a zipped folder of all units in this group.
| Title | Changes | Link |
| AHCARBXX502 Identify, select and specify trees | Minor change to Performance Criteria 5.2 added 3.4.Minor change to Unit Mapping Information.Minor changes to Performance Evidence.Minor edits to Knowledge Evidence. | Download final draft unit |
| AHCARBXX504 Develop an arboricultural impact assessment report | Minor change to Performance Criteria 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.8, 2.3, 3.2, 4.3, 6.4, 7.2, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, and 9.3.Minor change to Unit Mapping Information.Minor changes to Foundation Skills, Performance Evidence and Knowledge Evidence. | Download final draft unit |
| AHCARBXX5XX Specify and audit tree work(Note – title has changed from document and audit tree work) | Minor change to Performance Criteria 4.1, and 5.4.Minor change to Unit Mapping Information.Minor changes to Performance Evidence.Minor edits to Knowledge Evidence. | Download final draft unit |
| AHCARBXX506 Prepare arborist reports | Minor change to Application, Foundation Skills, and Unit Mapping Information.Minor change to Performance Criteria 3.1, 3.6.Minor edits to Performance Evidence and Knowledge Evidence. | Download final draft unit |
| AHCARBXX507 Generate tree plans using computer-aided design software | Minor change to Unit Mapping Information, Performance Evidence and Knowledge Evidence. | Download final draft unit |
| AHCARBXX5XX Examine and assess trees | Minor change to Performance Criteria 1.4, 3.1, 3.5, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, and 5.6. Reordered 4.1-4.4 and added 6.3 and 6.4.Added Foundation Skills.Minor changes to Performance Evidence and Knowledge Evidence. | Download final draft unit |
| AHCARBXX5XX Diagnose tree diseases | Minor change to Performance Criteria 1.2.Added Foundation Skills.Minor edits to Performance Evidence and Knowledge Evidence. | Download final draft unit |
Click here to download a zipped folder of all units in this group.
| Title | Changes | Link |
| AHCARBXX603 Interpret diagnostic test results | Minor change to Performance Criteria deleted 3.7.Added Foundation Skills.Minor change to Unit Mapping Information and Performance Evidence.Minor edits to Knowledge Evidence. | Download final draft unit |
| AHCARBXX604 Measure and improve the performance of urban forests | Minor change to Performance Criteria 1.3.Added Foundation Skills.Minor change to Unit Mapping Information and Knowledge Evidence. | Download final draft unit |
| AHCARBXX605 Provide consultation in a legal framework | Minor change to Application and Unit Mapping Information.Minor change to Performance Criteria 1.1, 2.5, 2.7, 4.1, and 5.6.Added Foundation Skills.Minor changes to Performance Evidence.Minor edits to Knowledge Evidence. | Download final draft unit |
| AHCARBXX606 Develop an operational tree management plan | Minor change to Performance Criteria 1.4.Added Foundation Skills.Minor change to Unit Mapping Information.Minor changes to Performance Evidence and Knowledge Evidence. | Download final draft unit |
| AHCARBXX607 Review and develop strategic tree policy | Minor change to Performance Criteria 3.3.Added Foundation Skills.Minor change to Unit Mapping Information.Minor edits to Knowledge Evidence. | Download final draft unit |
Click here to download a zipped folder of all units in this group.
| Title | Changes | Link |
| AHCARBXX8XX Analyse tree structure and biomechanics | Minor change to Performance Criteria 5.1, and 5.2.Added Foundation Skills.Minor change to Unit Mapping Information.Minor edits to Knowledge Evidence. | Download final draft unit |
| AHCARBXX8XX Analyse mycology cultures | Added Foundation Skills.Minor edits to Knowledge Evidence. | Download final draft unit |
| AHCARBXX8XX Research urban forest performance | Added Foundation Skills.Minor edit to Performance Evidence.Minor edits to Knowledge Evidence. | Download final draft unit |
| AHCARB8XX Conduct an entomology research project | Added Foundation Skills.Minor edits to Knowledge Evidence.Minor edit to Assessment Conditions. | Download final draft unit |
| AHCARBXX801 Contextualise diagnostic tests | Added Foundation Skills.Minor change to Unit Mapping Information.Minor edits to Knowledge Evidence. | Download final draft unit |
| AHCARBXX802 Develop an urban forest management framework | Minor change to Performance Criteria 1.6.Added Foundation Skills.Minor change to Unit Mapping Information.Minor edits to Knowledge Evidence. | Download final draft unit |
| AHCARBXX803 Analyse edaphic interactions of trees and structures | Minor update of title for Prerequisite Unit.Added Foundation Skills.Minor change to Unit Mapping Information.Minor edits to Performance Evidence and Knowledge Evidence. | Download final draft unit |
Please use the links below to view the units.
| Unit title | Comment | Link |
| AHCARB209 Assist with aerial rescue from the ground | The unit no longer meets industry needs and is proposed for deletion. | View unit |
| AHCARB210 Work effectively in the arboriculture industry | The unit no longer meets industry needs and is proposed for deletion. | View unit |
| AHCARB310 Perform aerial rigging | Industry advised that the outcomes of this unit are better embedded in the redesigned AHCARBXX305 Dismantle trees. Therefore, AHCARB310 Perform aerial rigging is obsolete and is proposed for deletion. | View unit |
| AHCARB311 Tie, dress, set and finish arborist knots | Industry advised that the outcomes of this unit are better embedded in several other redesigned AHCARB units where knots are used, in particular:
- AHCARB207 Perform ground based rigging
- AHCARB312 Use standard climbing techniques to access trees
- AHCARB307 Use advanced climbing techniques
- AHCARB306 Undertake aerial rescue
- AHCARB305 Dismantle trees
Therefore, AHCARB311 Tie, dress, set and finish arborist knots is obsolete and proposed for deletion. | View unit |
| AHCARB405 Perform geospatial data collection | This unit no longer meets industry needs and is proposed for deletion. It is only listed in the Certificate IV in Arboriculture that is also proposed for deletion.Note – two imported units that meet industry needs are now included in the revised Diploma of Arboriculture with:
- CPPSIS5035 Obtain and validate spatial data
- CPPSIS5064 Coordinate GIS data manipulation and analysis
| View unit |
Register your interest in the project
Subscribe to the Skills Impact newsletter to keep informed about project updates and opportunities to provide input and feedback. Make sure to select ‘Agriculture, Horticulture, Conservation & Land Management’ as your industry of interest on the subscription form. |
F
Arboriculture is a specialist profession that recognises and fosters the many benefits of trees, to our health, society, environment, ecology, and economy. Arborists provide care and management of trees in both private and public locations to maintain their health, and make sure they are appropriate for their environment and as safe as possible. Many arborist roles require aerial work or operation of chainsaws – sometimes both at once – so it is vital the workforce is equipped with technical skills and sector specific safety standards.Industry experts from across Australia dedicated their time to take part in this national review of arboriculture qualifications and skills standards. Thanks to their input, units of competency, skill sets and qualifications and been updated to better reflect current skills requirements.
The qualification and skills standards were published on the training.gov.au website on 10 July 2020, within the
AHC Agriculture, Horticulture and Conservation and Land Management Training Package. They are available for use by registered training organisations (RTOs).According to Arboriculture Australia, the industry employs over 40,000 workers with a turnover of over one billion dollars annually. However, an increase in government agency plantings over the past 15 years, means the current shortage of skilled workers to take up roles across the industry, particularly in specialist areas is likely to increase. The entry requirements for accredited training and an ageing workforce have been contributing factors.Industry consultation focused on making qualifications more accessible and revising skills standards to match specific job roles. Core units have been reduced in the Certificates II and III where appropriate. The Advanced Diploma and Graduate Diploma have been given more flexible entry requirements to allow graduates from related fields to undertake them. Specialisations in the Certificate III and three new skill sets have been developed to create pathways for specialist skills and higher learning. In this way, arboriculture qualifications and skills standards have been updated to better support this thriving industry.“Arboriculture is an extremely important industry that is not well understood amongst the public and it is imperative that we share knowledge within and without the industry as a social responsibility – especially in the current time we are living where the natural environment is under such pressure and scrutiny with changes to climate and evolving city scapes.” Daniel Heyburn, ETS Vegetation Management
Following many months of stringent due process, we are delighted that Skills Impact has now reached the completion of its review... Adoption of the revised package is a significant step forward that will set our industry on a solid foundation for the future.- Arboriculture Australia
Key Outcomes
- Revised 37 units of competency, including removal of prerequisites from 13
- Developed two new units of competency covering skills for using cranes to dismantle trees and managing trees to create and maintain habitat refuges
- Five units of competency proposed for deletion where they did not meet industry needs or skills could be integrated into other units
- Three new skill sets developed to attract and upskill workers including a basic tree worker skill set and an introduction to arboriculture skill set
Qualifications:
- Certificate II in Arboriculture reduced from 20 to 11 core units and designed to focus on practical skills required operate as a ground-based tree worker across the industry
- Certificate III in Arboriculture decreased from 23 to 18 units (9 core and 9 electives). In addition to the existing Climbing and Elevated Work Platform specialisations, three new specialisations have been included to cover Crane, Environmental and Works Coordinator.
- Added entry requirements for the Diploma of Arboriculture to provide a foundation of arborist skills and knowledge
- Advanced Diploma of Arboriculture and Graduate Diploma of Arboriculture have more flexible entry requirements to allow for a broader range of learners
- Certificate IV proposed for deletion
For more information,
Download a summary of Key Project UndertakingsSummary of consultation
Consultation has taken place with stakeholders across Australia, including representatives from various sub-sectors of the arboriculture industry, along with registered training organisations and Government bodies.The broader industry was consulted on the draft documents at two different stages – the ‘Drafts Available’ and ‘Validation’ stages. During these stages stakeholders provided feedback via face-to-face or webinar workshops, email, telephone or online surveys, and/or forwarded project information on to their networks.A summary of feedback and how it has been considered and applied at each stage can be downloaded below.
State and Territory Ministers endorsed the qualifications and skills standards in August 2020, following endorsement by the Australian Industry and Skills Committee (
read the AISC communique).The direct references to Arboriculture Australia’s Minimum Industry Standards (MIS) were been removed from specific units, following the AISC's meeting on 20 April 2020 where they conditionally approved the arboriculture qualifications, skill sets and units, pending agreement by the respective parties on wording relating to industry practices verses industry standards. Guidance around the standards for the MIS has been provided in the
Companion Volume Implementation Guide to ensure trainers remain aware of the development of standards by the arboriculture industry and statutory bodies.
Companion VolumesTwo Companion Volumes, consisting of an Implementation Guide and a
User Guide, have been drafted to help training providers implement the qualifications, skill sets and units. They include information to help trainers adapt to any new changes in a training package, as well as additional information about the impacts of regulation and licensing implications and workplace health and safety on their training.
Download the User Guide Download Part 1 of the Implementation Guide Download Part 2 of the Implementation GuidePlease find below links to the final documents, that are published on the
training.gov.au website.
Download the Case for Endorsement that was submitted to the AISC. It includes a rationale of why these changes are needed and evidence of industry support.
Qualifications
Skill Sets
Units of Competency
NEW - NOT PREVIOUSLY RELEASED
