Horticulture Landscape Operative Apprenticeship Level 2
This apprenticeship will develop the skills and knowledge required to excel in the horticulture industry. A keen interest in horticultural practices and a desire to progress in this industry is a must. Along with any basic knowledge and skills you may currently have, this programme will allow you to grow those skills, particularly with the renewed focus on professional behaviours. The course is divided into two separate pathways providing the opportunity to fulfil your career aspirations as either a Horticulturalist or a Landscape Operative.
College attendance
- 1 day per week (technical content delivery)
- Additional attendance for Maths and English (compulsory if the apprentice does not have Functional Skills Level 2 English and Maths or GCSE grade 4). Maths and English are delivered over separate ‘one week’ blocks.
- Attendance on compulsory short courses
Entry requirements
Grade requirements: You will need a minimum of two GCSEs at grades 9-1 (A*-D), ideally including English and maths or a Level 1 equivalent.
Course content
During this apprenticeship you will study a range of topics, which could include:
- Health and Safety
- Business Skills
- Communication
- Hand held and Pedestrian operated Machinery use
- Plant and Soil Science
- Plant health
Depending on the pathway chosen,optional units will include:
- Horticulture - Propagation, establishing and maintaining amenity areas and ornamental turf
- Landscape Operative - Construct and maintain hard landscape features, site surveying and marking out
Assessment methods
Continual assessments will be conducted in the work place through a mixture of practical observations, learner questioning, learner discussions, written questions and the production of an ongoing journal of evidence. Once the evidence is gathered, a professional discussion with an external assessor will be conducted as part of the End Point Assessment (EPA). The EPA includes both theory and practical examinations.
Qualifications
You will gain the following qualifications:
Level 2 Apprenticeship in either Horticulture or Landscape Operative Standards
Plus...
- Emergency First Aid at Work
- Safe Use of Pesticides NPTC Level 2 Award (PA1)
- Functional Skills in English and maths (if not completed prior to the start of the apprenticeship)
Further study and career options
Further study: Upon successful completion of this course you will be able to progress on to the Advanced Level 3 apprenticeship in Horticulture. You could also choose to study a further education courses full-time, such as the Level 3 BTEC Diploma/Extended Diploma in Horticulture or RHS qualifications.
Future careers: This qualification could help secure employment as a, Horticultural technician, Landscape operative, Groundsperson, Gardener or as a Horticultural garden centre employee.
Additional information
Apprentices are required to complete 20% off-the-job training during the on-programme phase of their apprenticeship which must take place in the apprentice’s contracted hours (college attendance contributes towards this count). The apprentice must also complete a portfolio of evidence during their on-programme learning. The portfolio is not graded but will form the basis for the questioning during the professional discussion conducted close to the end of the programme.