An outline of the course content is given below. This information is also given in the PDF file at the bottom of the page, along with information about entry requirements and pricing.
Part 1 (standard and PLUS)
The course starts with a 5-day intensive training course (9th-13th May 2011) which covers core subjects and vital skills for anyone wanting to work as an ecological consultant.
- Phase 1 Habitat Surveys (1 day)
- Site Assessment and Report Writing (2 days)
- Survey Techniques for Protected Species (2 days)
During this initial course you will also have sessions on career planning, goal-setting and guidance on background reading, getting experience and working on your CV. Throughout the week there will be plenty of opportunities to chat to the tutors and to ask lots of questions.
Part 2 (standard and PLUS)
As well as the core courses covered in part one, students can choose three other courses (1 or 2 days each) according to their existing skill levels and specific interests:
- Badger ecology and survey techniques
- Bat ecology, conservation and survey techniques*
- Beginners Botany* >>
- Ecological survey techniques*
- Invasive species
- Reptiles – surveying and handling
- Dormouse ecology and conservation
- Water vole ecology and surveying
- Otter ecology and surveying
- Great crested newt ecology and surveying
* Two-day courses
>> Compulsory if your botany knowledge is weak
To find out more about the content of these courses, please click on the notebook on the left-hand side of the left-hand side of the page.
Part 3 (standard and PLUS)
To add to the knowledge gained from the field courses, there will also be seven online webinar tutorials (~1 hour each), which will cover the following topics:
- Wildlife Law and Designated Sites
- Plant ID
- Mammal ID
- Amphibian and reptile ID
- Bird ID
- Hedgerows – legislation
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Job hunting, CV and goal setting
Part 4 (standard and PLUS)
Other aspects of the course include:
- CV/experience check at beginning and end of course
- Email/telephone support for 6 months whilst on the course, starting from 1st May 2011
- Marked assignments - site assessment report including desk study, phase 1 map and report, protected species factsheet (ID, survey, law) and an exam style assessment about ID, legislation and survey techniques.
- We will probably be happy to provide a reference for an IEEM membership application once we have got to know you.
- Being on the course will give you the opportunity to get to know other like-minded people and to start build a network of ecological contacts.
- Each student will receive a copy of Sue Searle’s book ‘How to become an ecological consultant’.
- Discussion forum (Google Groups) to raise questions and keep in touch with other students and the Acorn Ecology team.
Part 5 - Certificate PLUS extras
Those students who wish to take their training and career development to a higher level can sign up for Certificate PLUS, and will benefit from the following additional features of the course:
- A four week long work placement at Acorn Ecology. This unpaid placement will involve on the job training, where students will be able to shadow a team of ecologists in their day to day work, assisting with surveys, report writing and numerous other tasks. People who have completed work experience with Acorn Ecology in the past have found it immensely useful at improving their skills and increasing their employability.
- Provision of a work based training log book which diarises all skills and experiences, and evaluates learning outcomes. This will prove to be very useful when re-writing your CV and applying for jobs.
- A one to one personalised goal setting and career planning tutorial with our Senior Ecologist and Managing Director, Sue Searle. This is an opportunity to create a career action plan which should motivate and guide you into taking positive steps towards achieving your career aspirations.
- We will be happy to provide a work reference once the month long placement has been completed.
