Plumpton College Students Climb To Victory

Plumpton College’s Forestry Level 3 students went to compete in the annual 3ATC Southern College Climbing competition at Capel Manor College on Tuesday 26^th March, run by the Arb Association. The Plumpton College students climbed their way to victory, with second-year students claiming first place and the first years taking second in their respective year groups.

The two competitions are run exclusively for college students and are a great way to test and illustrate the skills they have gained whilst at college.

The tasks that make up the competitions replicate that which students would face in the arboriculture industry and on completion must echo industry best practice. The Tree Challenge tests the contestant's ability to climb and maneuver around the tree using a climbing rope and a working harness. All contestants started at the top anchor point and were required to visit a certain number of targets as set out by the head judge. The target areas may include a number of target zones to perform a specific task at each station and replicate obstacles faced by an arborist in the field.

Vicki Richardson, Programme Manager at Plumpton said:

It was a great day and the students really did do the College proud, their conduct both on and off the trees was outstanding, and the support they showed each other was great. It’s always a great day for the students with the opportunities for industry practice and networking with those already in the industry.

Plumpton College has entered teams into the 3ATC competitions for the last seven years, the experience has proven to be invaluable for their students, giving them experience outside of college as well as ample networking opportunities.

Jeremy Kerswell, Principal said:

We are always extremely proud of our students taking part in any competition, but to come first and second place is a great testament to their character and commitment to their studies. As a College we’re excited to continue to take part in the 3ATC competitions, and particularly to demonstrate the wealth of skills our students develop that are relevant to their progression in the workplace.

The students won a prize bundle which was filled with industry related goodies all donated by the sponsors, Arb Association, Stein, Arbotec and Sorbus.

For the full list of results from the day, visit the Arboriculture Association website. To find out more about Plumpton College and land-based career opportunities visit plumpton.ac.uk or come along to the next open day on the 11^th May 2019.