The industry
Our world would be nothing without plants. They feed us, keep us warm and dry, clean our air and provide us with a beautiful green environment to live in. There are two branches of horticulture:
Amenity Horticulture is aimed at improving people’s quality of life. Work includes designing or maintaining private gardens; landscaping; managing and maintaining public parks, open spaces, roadside plantings or sports grounds; and advising.
Commercial Horticulture covers the production of ornamental plants, vegetables, salads, fruit and flowers outdoors and in polytunnels or greenhouses. Some production is highly mechanised and merges into food technology. Horticulturalists are also employed as buyers by major supermarkets.
Our students have developed successful careers in everything from designing and building gardens and parks to working in botanical gardens, country estates, and in football stadiums as groundsmen. Some have gone into journalism and television.
Is it for me?
Yes, if you enjoy working outdoors; have an interest in plants; are able to work with people, in a team and/ or helping members of the public; you have good communication skills.
Capel Manor was established as a centre for horticultural studies in 1968 and since then has developed a reputation for excellence and strong links with industry. Students have access to our 30 acres of gardens at Enfield as well as to areas of Regent’s Park, Gunnersbury Park and Crystal Palace Park for practical work. We are also equipped with wide-ranging plant collections and a comprehensive range of horticultural tools and machinery.
FREE tasters in HORTICULTURE for schools in the Borough of Bromley
| Click centre name below for Horticulture and Landscaping courses at that location | ||
|---|---|---|
| Enfield | Gunnersbury Park | Regent’s Park |
| Crystal Palace Park | Apprenticeships | Professional Short Courses |
Access to FE in Land-based & Environmental Studies
Starts: September 2013
Duration: 1 year
Centre: ENFIELD, GUNNERSBURY PARK, CRYSTAL PALACE PARK
An entry level programme for 16-21 year olds who need to gain qualifications to enable them to progress on to a level 1 course. Suitable for candidates with a poor education history or a variety of mild to moderate learning difficulties, the programmes focus on the acquisition of work skills through entry level qualifications in land-based studies; as well as improving the basics of literacy, numeracy, IT, social and communication skills. Contact the Student Services team to discuss what you need, to arrange an interview or to apply.
Level 1 Certificate/Diploma in Landscaping and Horticulture
Starts: September 2013
Duration: 1 year
Centre: ENFIELD, GUNNERSBURY PARK, CRYSTAL PALACE PARK
The aim of this course is to introduce learners to horticulture and landscaping and give a good understanding of the type of work and career opportunities available. The course is ideal for young learners and school leavers keen to pursue a career in horticulture and is very practical and hands on.
You will need:
- Entry Level 3 in English, Maths and Science.
- Good behaviour record with minimum 85% attendance.
- An up-to-date tetanus vaccination.
- Summer school participation is required for school applicants.
What next?
- Level 2 Diploma in Horticulture.
- Intermediate Apprenticeship.
- Part-time courses.
Level 2 Diploma in Horticulture
Starts: September 2013
Duration: 1 year
Centre: ENFIELD, GUNNERSBURY PARK, CRYSTAL PALACE PARK
This course is designed to give students level 2 knowledge and the opportunity to acquire practical skills in horticulture and apply them to real work situations. Students attend three days a week and are encouraged to use the other two days to complete course work and additional work experience.
You will need:
- 4 GCSEs (one of the four must be a Science subject and another testing the use of English) at grade D or above or a foundation level GNVQ or City & Guilds or BTEC Level 1 Diploma at merit or above including good literacy and numeracy skills at level 1 or Land-based NVQ’s at Level 2 or experience appropriate for this level of study.
- Mature students returning to learning are also welcome and the college recognises appropriate experience/ knowledge gained in a related working environment.
- An up-to-date tetanus vaccination.
- Summer school participation is required for school applicants.
What next?
- Full or part-time level 3 courses in horticulture.
- Intermediate or Advanced Apprenticeships.
Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Horticulture
Starts: September 2013
Duration: 1 year
Centre: ENFIELD, GUNNERSBURY PARK
Equivalent to one A level, the aim of this course is to provide students with the knowledge and practical skills to take up posts within professional horticulture, working within the areas of hard and soft landscaping design, crop production and as gardeners in prestigious gardens throughout the country. Students attend two days a week for one year.
You will need:
- BTEC Level 2 Diploma at merit and functional skills at level 1 in literacy, numeracy and IT.
- Minimum 200 GCSE entry points including passes at grade C or equivalent in English and Maths.
- Mature students not having any of the above may apply, whereby relevant industry experience or other qualifications will be considered.
- An up-to-date tetanus vaccination.
What next?
- BTEC Level 3 Diploma or Extended Diploma in Horticulture.
- Employment.
Level 3 Diplomas in Horticulture are highly regarded in the horticultural industry covering a range of units including plant production, landscape construction and horticultural practices as well as plant science and business studies. Each of the three qualifications carries a specified number of UCAS tariff points.
Level 3 Diploma in Horticulture
Starts: September 2013
Duration: 1 year
Centre: ENFIELD, GUNNERSBURY PARK
Equivalent to two A levels, the aim of this course is to provide students with the knowledge and practical skills to take up posts within professional horticulture, working within the areas of hard and soft landscaping design, crop production and as gardeners in prestigious gardens throughout the country. Students attend four days a week for one year and undertake an additional one day per week of work experience. There are four mandatory units plus eight optional units.
You will need:
- BTEC Level 2 Diploma at distinction and functional skills at level 1 in literacy, numeracy and IT.
- Minimum 200 GCSE entry points including passes at grade C or equivalent in English and Maths.
- Mature students not having any of the above may apply, whereby relevant industry experience or other qualifications will be considered.
- An up-to-date tetanus vaccination.
What next?
- BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Horticulture.
- Higher Education.
- Employment.
Level 3 Extended Diploma in Horticulture
Starts: September 2013
Duration: 2 years
Centre: ENFIELD, GUNNERSBURY PARK
Equivalent to three A levels, the aim of this course is to provide students with the knowledge and practical skills to take up posts within professional horticulture, working within the areas of hard and soft landscaping design, crop production and as gardeners in prestigious gardens throughout the country. Students attend four days a week for two years and undertake an additional one day per week of work experience. Assessment is through a range of written assignments and practical assessments.
You will need:
- BTEC Level 2 Diploma at distinction and functional skills at level 1 in literacy, numeracy and IT.
- Minimum 200 GCSE entry points including passes at grade C or equivalent in English and Maths.
- Mature students not having any of the above may apply, whereby relevant industry experience or other qualifications will be considered.
- An up-to-date tetanus vaccination.
What next?
- Higher Education.
- Employment.
Assessment of all of these qualifications is based on coursework, though the awarding bodies are considering the introduction of exams to assess part of the contents. Assessment of applicants is based on an interview exploring interest, experience and ambitions. References are also taken up and screening tests conducted. The entry requirements are given as guidelines.
Level 2 Apprenticeship in Sports Turf (Intermediate)
Starts: Dates throughout the year
Duration: One day a week term time at college for up to 18 months combined with experience in the work place
Centre: CRYSTAL PALACE PARK, GUNNERSBURY PARK, ENFIELD, REGENT’S PARK
The aim of an Apprenticeship is to train learners in the basic practical skills appropriate to their position and to provide a platform of skills to enable further development at Advanced Level. For further details refer to page 22 of this prospectus.
You will need:
- Educated to GCSE standard and working at Entry Level 3.
- At least 16 years old on entry.
- To be employed within the horticulture industry, working a minimum of 30 hours per week under a contract of employment.
What next?
- Level 2 NPTC Certificate of Competence qualifications.
- Level 3 Work Based Diploma in Horticulture (Advanced Apprenticeship).
- Level 3 National Certificate in Horticulture.
Level 2 Apprenticeship in Amenity Horticulture (Intermediate)
Starts: Dates throughout the year
Duration: One day a week term time at college for up to 20 months combined with experience in the work place
Centre: CRYSTAL PALACE PARK, GUNNERSBURY PARK, ENFIELD, REGENT’S PARK
The aim of an Apprenticeship is to train learners in the basic practical skills appropriate to their position and to provide a platform of skills to enable further development at Advanced Level.
You will need:
- Educated to GCSE standard and working at Entry Level 3.
- At least 16 years old on entry.
- To be employed within the horticulture industry, working a minimum of 30 hours per week under a contract of employment.
What next?
- Level 2 NPTC Certificate of Competence qualifications.
- Level 3 Work Based Diploma in Horticulture (Advanced Apprenticeship).
- Level 3 National Certificate in Horticulture.
Level 3 Apprenticeship in Amenity Horticulture (Advanced)
Starts: Dates throughout the year
Duration: One day a week term time at college for up to 24 months combined with experience in the work place
Centre: REGENT’S PARK
The aim of an Advanced Apprenticeship is to give learners an opportunity to develop and enhance their knowledge and practical skills and to enable them to adapt to the changes required within organisations and the horticultural sector. Students gain self-esteem and the confidence required for supervisory roles within the organisation.
You will need:
- NVQ/Diploma Level 2 in Horticulture or equivalent qualification or demonstrate substantial relevant occupational experience.
- Minimum 3 GCSEs grade (A* – C), A levels or Functional Skills at Level 1.
- At least 16 years old on entry.
- You must be employed within the horticultural industry working a minimum of 30 hours per week under a contract of employment; you must also have the opportunity to undertake specific tasks or projects at work.
What next?
- Foundation Degrees in Garden Design, Horticulture, Plant Science.
- Professional short course programmes.
- Employment
