Setting Superior Standards for the Trees and Timber Industry

8/12/2011 5:48 AM EST

For immediate release

Tree professionals are urged to participate in the final online consultation, from 1 September to 8 November, to review the roles, skills and job responsibilities required for people working with trees and timber, and for a chance to win a new chainsaw.

During the past year, Lantra Sector Skills Council has worked closely with a large number of professionals, businesses and trade associations on an extensive review of the National Occupational Standards (NOS). NOS describe what workers need to do, know and understand to carry out their job role in a consistent and competent way. They are important because they form the basis of qualifications, so if the NOS do not reflect best practice then the qualifications might not reflect this as well.

Ros Burnley, Lantra’s Trees and Timber Industry Partnership Manager, said: “There has been so much support from industry up to now, but the work is not over yet. We are entering the most critical part of the NOS review, the consultation.

“This is your opportunity to get involved, ensuring these standards truly reflect the skills needed to do a specific job. Not only will you be helping to shape the future of your industry’s Standards, one lucky participant in the online consultation will win a new chainsaw.”

The final NOS consultation will be available online from 1 September to 8 November 2011. There will also be an opportunity to review the standards at the South West Woodland Show and the Amenity ARB Conference, both held in September. During this stage it is vital that everyone in the industry is involved to make sure the final document accurately reflects job tasks.

Ros said: “We are asking all industry professionals to take part in the consultation, no matter how much time you can contribute. If you have a particular interest or special knowledge in any part of the industry, you can simply review those few units.

“After the consultation concludes, it will be too late to change the official National Occupational Standards, so it is vital that you take the time during September and October to make sure this happens. These Standards don’t belong to Lantra, they belong to the industry. We are here to help you create valuable, robust standards that will be beneficial to tree professionals in the future.”

If you would like to be part of the consultation this autumn, register your interest by visiting www.lantra.co.uk/tree-nos or emailing  . To find out more about National Occupational Standards visit www.lantra.co.uk/standards-and-qualifications.


ENDS

ISSUED BY
Lantra Press Office
Samuel Zelmer-Jackson, PR Co-ordinator
Tel: 02476 858 418 or email  

Follow Lantra on Twitter at www.twitter.com/LantraSSC


NOTES TO EDITOR


About Lantra

• Lantra is the Sector Skills Council for land-based and environmental industries, working to ensure these businesses access the training, qualifications, skills and knowledge they need.
• Lantra represents 17 industries: agricultural livestock and crops; animal care; animal technology; aquaculture; environmental conservation; equine; farriery; fencing; fisheries management; floristry; game and wildlife management; land-based engineering; horticulture, landscaping and sports turf; production horticulture; trees and timber and veterinary activities.
• By working together with the sector, Lantra leads research on skills issues and business needs, sets national standards and develops qualifications to meet modern business needs and help businesses grow through skills.
• For more information see www.lantra.co.uk.