Horticulture and Landscape Construction Operatives work in public parks and gardens, green spaces and historic gardens, private gardens, estates, and production nurseries and retail outlets.
Employers may be charities, commercial businesses or governmental organisations and range in size from micro businesses through to large employers. Many organisations will be specialised in their activities, such as grounds maintenance or landscape construction.
The broad purpose of the occupation is to undertake practical operations required to create and maintain horticultural spaces. This includes both the soft aspects (plants and soil) and the hard elements (surfaces, features and structures). Some will carry out the full range of operations from landscape construction through to maintenance, although the majority will focus on one specialism due to the breadth of skills required. Horticultural specialists maintain soft and hard elements of the space. This will include planting and maintenance activities. Landscape construction specialists will install landscapes including building hard surfaces, structures and features and planting. This will include planting and maintenance activities. The distinct nature of these two specialisms means this apprenticeship has two specialist pathways available; horticulture or landscape construction.
What apprentices will learn
Importance and application of health and safety legislation
Codes of practice and policies, including risk assessment, manual handling etc
Concepts of good environmental and sustainable good practices, including an understanding of how to contribute to government led sustainability and zero carbon targets
Environmental controls and compliance with regulations including pollution control, waste reduction, management and recycling.
Impact of environmental conditions on plant growth and health
Soil science including soil formation, characteristics, texture and components, biological processes and their impact on plant growth.
Situations where special care should be taken including where heritage, environmental or planning designations may be present. The importance of complying with rules in place to protect the site.
Maintenance, operational requirements, pre start checks and legislation for tools, equipment and machinery including operator competence requirements.
The importance of maintaining records in a business setting.
Methods for idenitfying plants and plant biology
Main introduction routes for plant pests and diseases
Biosecurity and phytosanitary measures
Techniques for clearing sites and controlling weeds including identification and reasons for removal, techniques for control (including chemical) and situations for use
Cultivate, improve and preserve soils by mechanical methods and or by hand including amelioration and mulching
Types of turf, installation of turf and mowing of turf
Use of digital tools and techniques for research and collaboration
Put safety first and customer care
Role of business policies, vision and values
How project management informs a team to achieve objectives
Horticulture pathway
Propagate plants by cuttings and seed sowing (this might be indoors or outdoors). Including selection of suitable growing media and or soil
Provide aftercare to recently installed turf and maintain established turf or species rich meadows including irrigation, maintenance, monitoring health and protection from use
Identify if plants are suitable to site, purpose and aesthetics
Maintain soft landscapes for example - staking or support, division, seasonal clearance, and re-planting
Monitor and control plant pests, pathogens, and disorders using basic control methods (including application of chemicals or organic equivalents)
Plant herbaceous and seasonal planting (for example bedding, herbs or bulbs)
Prune plants to achieve healthy growth and form (including natural habit and formal or trained form)
For more information on the skills, knowledge and behaviours associated and learnt on this apprenticeship, please download the file attached to this link: Horticulture Operative Level 2
Construction Landscape pathway
Measure and set out an uncomplicated site in preparation for landscape construction activities
Use free hand cutting and or bench cutting of hard landscape materials using abrasive wheels.
Repair constructed landscape features (simple and noncomplex) for example re-grouting, re-sanding, damaged fencing
Construct paved feature for example path, patio or shed base. Including setting levels, sub bases, laying bases, finishing
Construct vertical landscape features including fences, ornamental vertical features, and wall
Install drainage in landscaping
Construct horizontal landscape features (excluding paving).
For more information on the skills, knowledge and behaviours associated and learnt on this apprenticeship, please download the file attached to this link: Landscape Construction Operative Level 2
Qualifications Awarded
Apprenticeship Certificate
Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work (both pathways)
Level 2 Award in the Safe Use of Pesticides (horticulture pathway only)
Level 2 Award in the Safe Application of Pesticides Using Pedestrian Hand Held Equipment (horticulture pathway only)
Abrasive Wheel Machines Course (construction landscape pathway only)
Level 1 in maths and English (if applicable)
Delivery model
Attendance at Plumpton College's Horticulture and Landscaping Centre one day week during term time (approx 32 full days a year) alongside quarterly workplace reviews and assessments.
End Point Assessment
Professional discussion based on apprentice’s portfolio
Online knowledge test
Practical assessment
Apprenticeship Graded
Fail, Pass, Distinction
Location
