Horticulture and Landscape Operative Apprenticeship Standard Level 2 (Horticulture)

Course information

Horticulture and Landscape Operatives can be employed to work in public parks and gardens, green spaces and historic gardens, private gardens and estates or in production nurseries and retail outlets. Many businesses will be specialised in their activities; such as grounds maintenance (soft-landscape) or landscape construction (hard-landscape). Soft- landscaping includes the establishment and maintenance of plants and cultivated areas. Hard-landscaping includes establishment of hard surfaces and structures in addition to the establishment of plants in cultivated areas.

The distinct nature of these two specialisms means very few businesses can offer the full breadth of skills and therefore two options are available for this occupation; horticulture and landscape construction. The employment area will dictate the option pursued.

Work is generally based outside and undertaken throughout the year, so apprentices will frequently work outside in all weathers. Often people new to the industry will start in a ‘hands-on’ role covering a range of practical tasks, with specialist skills being learnt through progression. A wide range of machinery and tools are used and additional training may be required depending on the nature of the works undertaken.

Working and learning in the horticulture and landscape industries is rewarding, offers a diverse range of employment opportunities and includes a range of skills that are transferrable into many other industries.

While learning the practical side of Horticulture with your employer, you will also be required to attend college on a block release programme. While studying at Bicton College you can take advantage of the College’s estate, which houses an arboretum with veteran and specimen trees, grounds, gardens Inc. a walled garden, glasshouses, growing tunnels and over 200 acres of extensive parklands with plenty of opportunities for you to develop your Horticulture skills.
Do you live far from the college? No problem! Accommodation is available on site!

Prior to end-point-assessment you will need to achieve these qualifications:
• Emergency first aid: Level 3 award in emergency first aid at work.
• Pesticides: Level 2 Principles of Safe Handling and Application of Pesticides Guidance OR Level 2 Award in the Safe Use of Pesticides

*All the above are included in the apprenticeship

While learning the practical side of Horticulture with your employer, you will also be required to attend college on a block release programme. While studying at Bicton College you can take advantage of the College’s estate, which houses an arboretum with veteran and specimen trees, grounds, gardens Inc. a walled garden, glasshouses, growing tunnels and over 200 acres of extensive parklands with plenty of opportunities for you to develop your Horticulture skills.
Do you live far from the college? No problem! Accommodation is available on site!

For more information please visit: https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/landscape-horticulture-supervisor/  

What You Will Learn

This course is very much orientated towards providing learners with the building blocks of plant-based and landscape construction practical skills and knowledge, giving you the perfect starting point to your career.

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for entry, applicants must have achieved at least a Grade 4 in either GCSE Maths or English, with a minimum Grade 3 in the other subject. Additionally, three further GCSEs at Grade 3 or above are required. You will also need an employer willing to take you on as an apprentice, working a minimum of 30 hours per week.

Assessment

To complete the course, there will be an assessment day (End Point Assessment) where you will be required to carry out a range of practical tasks, complete a multiple choice question paper and have a professional discussion with the assessor confirming your knowledge and understanding of the industry and your job role.

Assessment will be ongoing throughout the duration of the course.

Progression

L3 Horticulture and Landscape Supervisor Apprenticeship.

Bicton College

Bicton College

Bicton College is based in East Devon, near Exeter, and set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, just two miles from the Jurassic Coast. The historic Georgian mansion, commercial farm, animal husbandry school, modern veterinary nursing building, world-class engineering and heavy plant machinery workshop, walled garden and arboretum are all set in over 200 hectares of historic parkland.

Find out more about our Bicton campus

Events

Open Event

Bicton College

Open Event at Bicton College

• 18 Jan 25
• 26 Apr 25

Taster Event

Bicton College

Taster Day at Bicton College

• 17 Feb 25
• 28 May 25