Approx. duration: 24 months
Start Date: Anytime
Attendance: All assessment and training is undertaken in the workplace with occasional visits to college
Entry requirements:
- Individual employers will set their selection criteria for applicants
- Apprentices need to be employed for a minimum of 30 hours a week and have a contract of employment
- Entry into the Apprenticeship is subject to a thorough skills scan assessment to clarify course suitability
- Entry onto the Apprenticeship is subject to 4 GCSEs grades 9-1/A-G including Maths and English or Functional Skills Level 1
- Apprentices aged 16-18 years are subject to the mandatory requirement to study towards and achieve English and Maths Functional Skills at Level 2 where the Apprentice only holds the level 1 qualifications (GCSE grades D-G/3-1)
- Following the updated ESFA Apprenticeship rules, from 11th February 2025. Apprentices who begin their apprenticeship training when aged 19+ will no longer be subject to this mandatory requirement. It is now the decision of the apprentice and their employer at the start of their apprenticeship to choose to study towards a Maths and English qualification
On-programme learning:
- Horticulture/Landscape Operative Standard
- English and Maths (if required) Level 2
Horticulture Operative –
- Award in Emergency First Aid at Work
- Safe use of Pesticides Level 2
- Safe Application of Pesticide Using Hand Held Equipment Level 2
Landscape Operative –
- Award in Emergency First Aid at Work
- Safe Use of Abrasive Wheel Machines Level 2
End-point assessment:
Delivered by Lantra
Progression:
Apprentices successfully completing have the opportunities to progress within the industry by continuing onto the Advanced Apprenticeship in Horticulture or other Further Education courses
Course Summary:
This occupation is found in a wide range of outdoor spaces with horticultural spaces including:
- Public parks and gardens,
- Green spaces
- Schools
- Tourist attractions
- Business and retail parks
- Historic gardens
- Private gardens
- Estates
In this role, an individual will perform practical tasks to create and maintain horticultural spaces, covering both the soft elements (such as plants and soil) and the hard elements (including surfaces, features, and structures). While some may manage the full spectrum of tasks, from landscape construction to maintenance, most will specialise in a particular area due to the broad range of skills needed.
Horticultural specialists maintain soft and hard elements of the space. This will include planting and maintenance activities.
Landscape Construction specialists will install landscapes including building hard surfaces, structures and features and planting. This will include planting and maintenance activities. Horticulture or landscape construction operatives frequently work outdoors year-round and in all weathers. They sometimes work at heights for example pruning taller plants and hedges.
Horticulture or Landscape operatives will require qualifications and or training to undertake activities such as use of machinery.
In this role, an individual will be responsible for completing their tasks to the required standards with minimal supervision, ensuring deadlines are met. They must adhere to quality guidelines and comply with relevant legislation, as well as environmental, health, safety, and welfare regulations. They are accountable for their own health and safety, as well as that of others. Horticulture or Landscape operatives are also responsible for maintaining their tools, equipment, and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure they are safe for use. They report to supervisors, team leaders, head gardeners, or clients.