Hedge Laying training: 11-12-2018

 

HEDGE LAYING TRAINING (HLT):- ASSESSMENT RESULTS

Date: December 10th and 11th 2018

Venue: Whitcliffe Hall, Near Ripon

Trainer: Professional award winning hedge layer Jasper Prachek

Trainees: NCVs (and others)

Please see photographic evidence below for the skills assessed and marks awarded. 

• Anyone meeting the necessary standards for this year's HLT will be allowed to attend the NCV Christmas walk on the 18th Dec. 
• Any trainee not meeting the minimum standards will need to spend the 18th Dec on further training.
• The assessor's decision is final.

Scoring:
9-10 = Excellent                                        7-8 = Good enough   
5-6 = Just about passable                       Below 5 = Beyond the pale.

Skill 1: Removal of the twiddly tree guards before laying. Nicely executed Mark.

Score: 10/10

Skill 2: Thinning out the hedge stems before laying. Consistent use of the loppers Paul, but one mark deducted due to an inability to keep your pants clean.

Score: 9/10

Skill 3: Ability to ensure hat remains free of vegetation in spite over-large hat decoration handicap. Very skilful Anita.

Score: 10/10

Skill 4: Judicious use of a billhook to prevent the complete removal of a stem.

Ably demonstrated here by Liz. Some NCVs failed to achieve this standard on occasion, however the majority of stems remained attached.

Score: 7/10

Skill 5: Use of two hands to complete the act of pleaching whilst -

at the same time - keeping your hat above eyebrow level. (Double weighted standard.)

Score: 10/10

Additional points were awarded for any trainee achieving skill 5 without the aid of a partner.

Skill 6: Use of heavy mallet to knock in hedge posts whilst avoiding your partner's head.

Score: 10/10 

(As no NCV appeared to be knocked to the ground - or into the ground - throughout the session it must be assumed that this standard was reached by all NCVs.)

Skill 7: An ability to think 'outside the box' when vertically challenged.

An ingenious use of a milk crate Ken - well done! 

Score: 10/10

Skill 8: Successful insertion of a post into a post knocker.

Score: 10/10

Skill 9: Maintaining upward motion of the arms whilst supporting a great weight. 

Score: 10/10

 

Skill 10: Remembering to stand back and look at progress to ensure the hedge line does not become wonky.

Score: 10/10

Skill 11: Ability to secure a rail to the hedge posts with nails without hitting your thumb.

Score: 10/10 (It can only be assumed that this standard was met as no NCV cried out in agony during the course of the afternoon.)

Skill 12: Achieving a consistent angle of 'Pleach lay' along a 50m stretch of laid hedge.

Score: 10/10

Assessor’s comments: The standards of hedge laying in this particular group appears to be extremely high. It is clear that the trainer, Mr Pratchek, has done an excellent job of teaching his students. I have no doubt that they will be able to function well , without further guidance, when out in the field .