Course overview
This is for you if you are looking to start a career within the horticultural
sector. The horticulture sector is made up of many diverse industries delivering
the science, art, technology and business of ‘growing plants’.
Achievement of this qualification demonstrates to an employer that you have
the necessary technical skills and knowledge they are looking for when
recruiting for a trainee horticulture operative. Opportunities will be given to
impress potential employers during our workdays towards the end of the course so
that you may succeed in finding employment.
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.
Modules
This course primarily focuses on production of fruit, vegetables, flowers, trees, shrubs and glasshouse crops.
You will learn:
- Production techniques in horticulture
- Health and safety for the land-based industries
- Working in the horticulture industry
- Plant naming, identification, selection and science
- Establishment and maintenance of plants outdoors
- Care, maintenance and use of tools and machinery
- Horticulture business skills
How will I be assessed?
- Synoptic assignment: requires you to identify and use effectively in an integrated way an appropriate selection of skills, techniques, concepts, theories, and knowledge from across the course content area.
- 1.5 hours theory exam: assesses your depth and breadth of understanding across content in the qualification at the end of the period of learning, using a range of question types and will be sat under invigilated examination conditions. Units 202, 203, 204, 205 and 206.
- Health and Safety theory exam: This exam is designed to assess your depth and breadth of understanding of the “Health and safety for the land-based industries” 201 unit.
- Assignment: The assignment requires you to identify and use effectively skills, knowledge and understanding from across the content of the unit 210 “Production techniques in horticulture”.
- Grading: Assessment and exams will be graded Pass, Merit and Distinction.
Work experience
Industry placements enhance your studies and are an important part of your course. They ensure you develop the key skills, knowledge and behaviours necessary to be successful in your chosen industry, resulting in you leaving college ready for the world of work. It is compulsory to undertake an element of work experience when studying a Level 1, 2, or 3 course. The number of hours you must complete will depend on your level of study.
Course Level:
- Level 1 – Minimum of 30 hours of industry placement
- Level 2 – Minimum of 75 hours of industry placement
- Level 3 – Minimum of 150 hours of industry placement (per year of your course)
- T Level – Minimum of 315 hours of industry placement
Entry requirements
4 GCSEs at grade 3 and above to include English or Maths OR a Level 1 in a related subject plus English or Maths, at least grade 3 or Functional skills level 1
Bursaries
Financial support could be available to you depending on your household income, eligibility criteria, and level of study. A bursary, which is money given directly by the Government, could help fund bus travel, accommodation, course equipment, college meals, or educational trips.
Course Fees
Students aged 16-18 on 31st August in the year of starting the course do not pay tuition fees.
Adults aged 19+ may be entitled to a tuition fee waiver on certain courses (where the Government pays the tuition and assessment fee) if any of the following apply:
You are aged between 19 and 23 and:
- This is your first Full Level 2 or Full Level 3 qualification.
- You are undertaking English and Maths up to and including Level 2.
- You are unemployed or economically inactive and your gross annual income is below £26,800.
- Your course is part of the Level 3 Free Courses for Jobs offer (and you meet the earnings threshold)
You are aged 24+ and:
- You are studying a Level 1 or Level 2 course and are unemployed, economically inactive, or earning below £26,800 gross annually.
- You are undertaking English and Maths up to and including Level 2.
- Your course is part of the Level 3 Free Courses for Jobs offer (and you meet the earnings threshold)
All students pay a standard facility fee of £150 to use communal, non-educational facilities.
Material fees apply to Floristry, Blacksmithing and Metalwork, Agricultural Engineering, and Motor Vehicle students.
Equipment & PPE
Students on a 14-16, Level 1, 2, 3, or Foundation Learning course may be required to purchase equipment such as a uniform, PPE, or kit before starting their course. Material fees are applicable depending on the course studied.
Start dates
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