Environment and Conservation - Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma

Are you thinking of becoming either a Head Keeper or a Wider Estate Manager? Do you have a passion for game and wildlife? If the answer is yes, this could be the course for you! Gamekeeping and wildlife conservation have much in common as both require the sensitive management of the woodland and countryside habitat.

The course will provide a practical understanding of game, fish and deer management along with the underpinning knowledge required by countryside managers. Whilst on the course, students will carry out wide and varied practical tasks related to gamekeeping on the Plumpton College estate, supplemented by visits to various other estates within the local vicinity. During your course you will assist with running the college shoot.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Study programmes include a minimum of compulsory work experience hours achieved through one day a week or block placements. The amount of hours required is dependent on the study programme.

CAREERS HUB

We offer impartial careers guidance to all of our students, email careers@plumpton.ac.uk to explore your next step or to book an appointment – we’re here to help.

INDUSTRY WORK PLACEMENT

All students aged 16-18 on our Level 2 & Level 3 programmes will now have to take part in an exciting and compulsory 50-day industry placement programme alongside completion of their vocational course. The programme will give you the chance to gain valuable skills in a real working environment whilst being paired with your ideal employer. There is flexibility on how students complete the placement; it can be during non-college weekdays, weekends, in blocks or over the holiday period. You will receive all of the necessary information during your interview, and if you have any queries in the meantime please contact workexperience@plumpton.ac.uk

QUALIFICATIONS GAINED

• City & Guilds Avanced Technical Extended Diploma in Land & Wildlife (Gamekeeping)
• Plumpton College Certificate
• College award, Functional Skills or GCSEs in English and Maths

• Work Experience
• Health and Safety
• Estate Skills
• Land Based Machinery operations
• Principles of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
• Countryside Recreation
• Deer management
• Use of firearms
• Gamebird production
• Shooting sport in the UK
• Freshwater and wetland management
• Environmental processes
• Shoot management
• Working Dogs
• Commercial Deer Stalking
• Pest and predator control
• Business Management
• Specialist Project
• Woodland Habitat Management

Either:

• You'll need to have achieved 4 GCSEs between Grade A-C (new grades 9-4) including English, Maths and a Science
• Successful completion of a related Level 2 qualification
• Mature students without the above requirements will be considered

Following satisfactory completion of the programme, students may progress on to the Foundation Degree in Countryside Management or work in a countryside related organisation.

• Employment as a ranger or estates officer with one of the many wildlife charities such as RSPB, Wildlife Trust or with the National Trust.
• Self-employed gardening, woodland management, greenwood products craftsman.
• Self-employed interpretation facilitator taking clients on guided walks, species ID courses, and bushcraft.
• Seasonal short-term contracts in habitat conservation.