Horticulture

This qualification is for you if you are aged 16-19 or 19+, and want to work in horticulture. It is designed to provide you with a very wide range of specialist technical practical skills and detailed knowledge and understanding which will equip you to seek a diverse range of employment opportunities, or to further learning and training within the horticultural industry.

This qualification gives you the opportunity to learn about and build on the essentials of working in horticulture such as safe working, using equipment and machinery, plant identification, maintaining turf, plant health, pests and diseases and pruning and maintaining trees and shrubs. You will also learn about plant and soil science and business skills, and specialise in professional horticulture with regard to the optional units.

Course content 

You will gain an understanding of the skills and knowledge that are important when you are working in a horticultural setting, or progressing to further learning and training in this area. You will get lots of practice and support to enable you to develop as a horticulturalist.

Work experience

Each learner is expected to complete a 180 hours evidenced work experience placement as part of the programme. This work placement should be with an employer that will provide you with structured opportunities to develop the skills and knowledge that are relevant to the qualification.

This aspect of the course will be discussed at greater depth during the induction period.

Careers Hub

We offer impartial careers guidance to all of our students, email careers@plumpton.ac.uk to explore your next step or to book an appointment – we’re here to help.

Assessment

Synoptic assessments/assignments where a candidate is given a problem to solve or an outcome to achieve. An example of this would be to plan and maintain a vineyard area. Theory examination (2-hour) each academic year Portfolio of evidence for work experience undertaken Optional unit assessments