National Diploma or Foundation Degree??

[teenielux]

Hi all,

I'm looking to pursue a career as a Countryside Warden/Ranger. I have a few years practical experience volunteering for various Wildlife Trusts and local conservation groups aswell as a couple of months volunteer work at the National Botanic Garden of Wales. I realise that I also need some qualifications so was looking to do a BTEC National Diploma in Countryside Management next year. However, I was wondering whether I should be doing a higher level qualification such as a Foundation Degree in Countryside Management? What do employers look for when sifting through the hundreds of applications? Any advice would be very much appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Tina

[Fuzzy-felt bloke]

Both courses are 2 years (unless you have a year’s work experience) so I would go for the foundation degree, the only problem will be cost and availability of a foundation degree. Your main selling point in the future jobs market will be your work experience, so get as much as you can.

Make sure that the course is right for you, get a full list of units/modules for the whole two years, as you could enrol on an ND and find out later that it’s all shooting and game keeping.

Which part of the country do you live in, as I may be able to direct you to a suitable college/university?

Fuzzy-Felt Bloke

[teenielux]

I'm in mid-Devon. I've been looking at doing the National Diploma at Bicton College or the Foundation Degree at Bridgewater College. Ideally I want to do a course that is more practical based. I started a BSc Zoology degree a couple of years ago but dropped out after the first year because it was too scientific and not applied enough for my liking. However, if a theoretical course is what i need to do in order to stand any chance of getting into this type of work then of course i'll do it. I just want to be certain that the course i choose to do will benefit me in the long run.

[APC]

I would prefer a high standard, Distinction, National Diploma to a Foundation Degree. On paper that is. This is because the modules are closest to the actual work you'll be doing most of.

For example, you will likely do a module in Estate Skills or similar. This will cover all manner of things including use of handtools, fencing, hedgelaying etc. You may know how to use handtools already, and you will probably rarely use them "in real life", but it can be interesting to learn how to TEACH how to use these tools so that you can train your volunteer groups how to use them safely.

Then there is the machinery side of things. It is really quite useful being able to understand the basics of how an engine works, how to dismantle and put back together a lawnmower etc. This will likely be completely separate to NPTC tickets that you will probably do. In fact, looking at the list of modules taught at Bicton (National Diploma Countryside Management), I can see that you get chainsaw use including felling. CS31 is a very handy ticket to have. CS32 even better. Those tickets can be difference between a job and no job.

Personally, I would choose the ND. But then again, you say that you have a lot of practical experience already. You seem a a bit undecided about whether you want a degree of any sorts. A lot of non-assistant ranger jobs require a degree as essential. The majority require it as desirable. Doing a BSc will take 3 years of hard slog. Your Foundation Degree is 2 years of hardslog. Maybe take the opportunity now to get it out of the way? Nah, do the ND. Make sure you put the hours in though to get as high level as you can manage otherwise you'll have a lot of competition for jobs with other people who have passes and merits, and indeed degrees.

Reason I say this is as I did a degree first, then couldn't get as much as an interview. Then did the ND and walked into seasonal job after one interview. Then had a few interviews for a "full" position before getting the ranger job I have been in for 3 years. I'm not entirely sure though how much my degree counted for in either job.

[nodd]

I have approached this problem in this way I started on the ND Countryside management habitat conservation.
I have completed one year of the course doing 9 modules and with the grades I was getting ending up with 9 distinctions) plus 4 NTPC ad quals the tutors suggested that I move over to the foundation degree course this year which I am doing.
The foundation degree covers some of the subjects I have all ready taken only in more depth plus ecology survey work.
This with the volunteering work that I am doing I think will give a good skill base.

[Fuzzy-felt bloke]

It seems for you the ND would be ideal, but I do have two concerns, first check what you will get with the chainsaw course (although I do not think that having a ticket gives you a better chance of a job) second is the latest Ofsted Inspection Report, where they only managed a Grade 3 (Satisfactory)!!!

Best of luck on your future career.

Fuzzy-Felt Bloke

[teenielux]

Thanks for all your advice guys

I'm a bit restricted as to where to study as the only two colleges near to where I live that run Countryside Management courses are Bicton and Bridgewater and even they are 45mins drive away. Does where you study matter to employers?

I think i'm swaying towards the ND because I feel the modules are more suited to what I want to study and from all of your advice it seems that you agree. Are there any other short courses you would recommend I take alongside the ND? I'll do anything to give me that edge for when I come to apply.

[Fuzzy-felt bloke]

I have not come across any employers expressing a particular college or university, to be honest there not that many. The last place that I worked nearly all the staff and including myself came from Aberystwyth University.

I would concentrate on your interest for experience, experience and short courses such as bats, mammal surveys, look around and find free training from Wildlife Trusts.

On a ND your work experience placement can lead directly to a job, so get the best you can.

Fuzzy-Felt Bloke