STAFF and students at Pershore College are celebrating after two of their tree management and forestry courses were accredited by a leading industry body.

The college, offers foundation degree and BSc courses in arboriculture and these have been accredited by the Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF). This means students who gain these qualifications can apply for associate member status with the institute.

The foundation degree and BSc Arboriculture and tree management courses train students for a wide range of careers in the arboricultural industry. Former students have gone on to jobs as consultants, local authority tree officers and also into research, education and estate management.

Mike Roberts, course leader, said: “Accreditation means that the courses that the college offers meet the stringent requirements of one of the arboricultural industry’s leading professional bodies.

“We are thrilled that our courses have been accredited by this nationally-renowned body, giving our current students and future learners the very best possible start to their careers.”

The ICF praised the college’s submission.

Shireen Chambers, executive director at ICF, said: “The ICF are delighted that the courses have met the institute’s strict requirements for foundation and BSc degree accreditation. We look forward to students graduating from these courses joining the institute on their path to professional standing.”