Horticulture and Landscape Operative Apprenticeship
Description
In order to enrol on this apprenticeship, you must be in paid employment in a horticultural role, which allows you the opportunity to meet the full requirements of the level 2 apprenticeship. Your role must allow you to plan and maintain parks, large gardens and other green areas. To qualify for entry onto this apprenticeship you will already hold 5 good GCSE’s or equivalent including English and maths and will have previous experience in a relevant role. You will be assessed before starting the programme to ensure the above qualifications can be achieved within the time frame of your programme.
You will learn knowledge, behaviours and skills through blended learning, consisting of group training sessions, digital learning and tutorials carried out in the workplace.
- With coaching and support from your employer and your tutor, you will apply the knowledge, behaviours and skills to your organisation’s standards and to your specific horticultural role to meet the requirements of the apprenticeship.
- You will require an allocation of 20% off the job training time to enable you to complete coursework and assignments.
- At the 22 – 24 months stage of your 24+ month programme you will be prepared for the apprenticeship Gateway and End Point Assessment. This will involve a 2-week intensive period of study, revision and tutorials with your assigned tutor.
- To complete your apprenticeship, you will be required to install various hardlandscape construction features and structures e.g. paths, patios, fences and walls. This will include basic brick laying, paving, timber decking, setting levels, services identification, free hand cutting and bench cutting of hard landscape materials during construction using abrasive wheels.
- The range and application of different growing media for plant production and propagation.
- The principles and methods of watering techniques including irrigation systems and hand watering.
Assessment
You will be required to complete an online journal and participate in ongoing assessments through workplace observations, reflective accounts and assignment tasks. You will also be required to achieve the above pesticide and health & safety qualifications and if required functional skills Your knowledge, skills and behaviours will be assessed at the end of your apprenticeship during end point assessment. This will consist of online test, practical task in the workplace with question and professional discussion.
Course Length
The apprenticeship is completed within 24 months which doesn’t include end point assessment time so you must be employed for this length of time.
Attendance
You will be working in a horticultural environment, receiving on the job coaching and training in the workplace and will attend fortnightly training sessions in horticulture and, if required, weekly sessions in functional skills. You will be using digital learning materials and will be required to complete tasks and upload these to your e-portfolio, during allocated off the job training. This training will all be during your contracted hours of work.
What else do I need to know?
The course will extend your knowledge, skills and abilities, which in turn will enhance your career prospects enabling you to be a valuable part of any business. All training materials will be provided at the training centre.
You could move on to an Arborist apprenticeship.