Course overview
Horticulture and Landscape Operatives can be employed to work in public parks and gardens, green spaces and historic gardens, private gardens and estates or in production nurseries and retail outlets. Many businesses will be specialised in their activities; such as grounds maintenance (soft-landscape) or landscape construction (hard-landscape). Soft- landscaping includes the establishment and maintenance of plants and cultivated areas. Hard-landscaping includes establishment of hard surfaces and structures in addition to the establishment of plants in cultivated areas.
The distinct nature of these two specialisms means very few businesses can offer the full breadth of skills and therefore two options are available for this occupation; horticulture and landscape construction. The employment area will dictate the option pursued.
Work is generally based outside and undertaken throughout the year, so apprentices will frequently work outside in all weathers. Often people new to the industry will start in a ‘hands-on’ role covering a range of practical tasks, with specialist skills being learnt through progression. A wide range of machinery and tools are used and additional training may be required depending on the nature of the works undertaken.
Working and learning in the horticulture and landscape industries is rewarding, offers a diverse range of employment opportunities and includes a range of skills that are transferrable into many other industries.
While learning the practical side of Horticulture with your employer, you will also be required to attend college on a block release programme. While studying at Bicton College you can take advantage of the College’s estate, which houses an arboretum with veteran and specimen trees, grounds, gardens Inc. a walled garden, glasshouses, growing tunnels and over 200 acres of extensive parklands with plenty of opportunities for you to develop your Horticulture skills.
Do you live far from the college? No problem! Accommodation is available on site!
Prior to end-point-assessment you will need to achieve these qualifications:
• Emergency first aid: Level 3 award in emergency first aid at work.
• Pesticides: Level 2 Principles of Safe Handling and Application of Pesticides Guidance OR Level 2 Award in the Safe Use of Pesticides
*All the above are included in the apprenticeship
While learning the practical side of Horticulture with your employer, you will also be required to attend college on a block release programme. While studying at Bicton College you can take advantage of the College’s estate, which houses an arboretum with veteran and specimen trees, grounds, gardens Inc. a walled garden, glasshouses, growing tunnels and over 200 acres of extensive parklands with plenty of opportunities for you to develop your Horticulture skills.
Do you live far from the college? No problem! Accommodation is available on site!
For more information please visit: https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/landscape-horticulture-supervisor/
