. "I came to college to study for an SNC in Forestry, and continued on to pass an HND in Arboriculture and Urban Forestry. By taking advantage of the flexible learning programme I was able to do additional units, which allowed me to go on to gain a BSc in Forestry and Conservation. The decision to go back to full-time education was not an easy one for me, as I am severely dyslexic. But with the understanding and help of the well-trained staff at Inverness College I was able to show my full potential. I even managed to pick up a couple of awards on the way." HUGH WILSON

. Qualifications Forestry and Arboriculture are important industries in the Highlands offering a wide range of employment prospects for qualified workers. As a forester or arborist you may be working in one or more of the following areas: Commercial Forestry, predominantly harvesting and replanting of coniferous forests. Amenity Forestry, where the emphasis is on amenity, landscape, conservation, recreation as well as specialist timber production. Arboriculture, where the individual tree is dealt with, in gardens, in parks, in towns. The Scottish School of Forestry provides a full range of courses to enable students to become Foresters/Arboriculturists at a wide range of occupational levels. Certificates in Forestry, Conservation Skills and Land Based Skills These are 1 year courses designed to provide the underpinning knowledge and practical skills needed to be a skilled craftsman. The courses contain SQA unit qualifications at Intermediate 1/2 and Higher levels. Higher National Certificate in Forestry This is a 1 year course (with pre-course practical experience or the Certificate in Forestry/Certificate in Conservation Skills or a related subject is a pre-requisite. a discretionary prerequisite for the Higher National Certificate in Forestry) designed to provide the skills and ability to function as supervisors or self-employed contractors. This course is also available part-time and partly by distance learning. Higher National Diploma in Forestry This 3 year full time course includes an industrial sandwich year. The course is designed to provide the knowledge and skills for those wishing to Manage Woodlands. 1 year’s pre-course experience in a woodland environment or attainment of the Certificate in Forestry/Certificate in Conservation Skills or a related subject is a pre-requisite. This course is also available part-time and partly by distance learning. Higher National Certificate in Arboriculture & Urban Forestry This 1 year full time course (prior knowledge would be preferable but not essential) is designed to provide the skills and ability to function as supervisors or self employed contractors. This course is also available part-time and partly by distance learning. . Higher National Diploma in Arboriculture & Urban Forestry This 2 year full time course is designed to provide the skills and ability to function as a Tree Officer, Local Authority Arborist etc. This course is also available part-time and partly by distance learning. BSc Sustainable Forest Management (with Forest Conservation or with Arboriculture and Urban Forestry) This course aims to provide students with all the skills and knowledge required to become a competent Forest Manager/Arborist, capable of providing professional advice to the land-based sector. Students successfully completing the above HN or BSc qualifications will be granted points towards full membership of the Institute of Chartered Foresters.