Skills Bootcamp | Grounds & Estates Horticulture Operative

Do you want to learn more about amenity horticulture and designing and maintaining green spaces? No previous experience required, but a passion for the outdoors is a must!   

This course has all the necessary elements required to be able to work in a number of careers within the amenity horticulture sector, including roles within grounds & gardens)  This course is for those either currently working in or would like to enter into the amenity horticulture sector. 

Grow your future with hands-on, industry-recognised amenity horticulture training. 

This comprehensive, career-focused course is designed for individuals looking to build a strong foundation in amenity horticulture operations across a variety of landscapes — from urban gardens and coastal environments to public parks and estates. 

You'll gain a blend of technical & practical skills through classroom based learning, practical outdoor lessons and accredited training modules. Whether you're just entering the industry or seeking to upskill, this course prepares you for the responsibilities and challenges of working in grounds maintenance and landscape supervision. 

Course Cost

This Skills Bootcamp is FREE for learners who meet the eligibility criteria. Please see more here.

Key Topics Include

Site Supervision & Safety: 
Complete the CITB Site Supervision Safety Training Scheme, equipping you to lead safely and confidently on-site. 

Risk Assessments & Legislation: 
Learn how to write, interpret, and implement risk assessments, and understand key legal responsibilities including the Wildlife and Countryside Act. 

Sustainable Soil Management: 

Discover living soil principles and techniques for sustainable land management. 

Plant Care Across Environments: 
Explore horticultural practices tailored to parks, coastal landscapes, and urban green spaces. 

Pest & Disease Management: 
Develop practical strategies to manage plant health, including up-to-date training on Ash Dieback and invasive pests. 

People & Budgets: 
Learn the basics of team leadership, managing budgets, and planning operations. 

Practical Skills with Industry-Recognised Certification: 

• Emergency First Aid at Work 

• Ride-on Mowers (Lantra)

• Brush Cutter / Strimmer (Lantra)

• Hand-held Hedge Trimmer (Lantra)

• Site Supervision Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS) CITB 

Course Features

• Combination of theory based and practical hands-on learning 

• Led by industry experts 

• Industry-recognised qualifications and tickets 

Whether you want to work for a local authority, private estate, landscaping / amenity horticulture company or launch your own business — this course gives you the tools, confidence, and credentials to succeed. 

The courses will be delivered in person. There will be some information to read ahead of attending some of the modules.   The practical sessions are designed so that students put into practice the theory that they have learnt in the classroom.   Students will meet like-minded students who are at the same career stage which gives them the opportunity to forge a network and community within the industry whilst they study.   

Site Supervision Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS) 

Writing & Understanding Risk Assessments  

Sustainable Management of Living Soils  

Budgets & People  

Caring for plants in different environments ie parks & gardens, coastal environments & urban areas  

Legislative responsibilities of grounds maintenance i.e. Wildlife Act  

Pest & Diseases 

Emergency First Aid at Work  

Lantra Ride on Mowers  

Lantra Brush Cutter-Strimmer  

Lantra Hand Held Hedge Trimmer  

You will be assessed through practical activities and quizzes. 

The Lantra courses will be assessed by your Lantra Trainer. The Emergency First Aid at Work and Dynamic Risk Assessment will be assessed by the trainer on the level of participation of students and completion of classroom-based activity throughout the course. 

19+

This course is suitable for those currently working in or seeking employment within the amenity horticulture sector. (This can include grounds and gardens maintenance, estate worker, horticulture and sports turf) 

Amenity Horticulture entails the planning, designing and maintenance of parks, woodlands, interior landscaping, and areas that require flowers, shrubs, and plants.