Free Green Skills Training

Funded through the London Talent Pathways

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Develop your team for the green future

Upskill your workforce with practical, accredited training at no cost to eligible employers

Delivered by Capel Manor College in partnership with Groundwork London’s Green Space Skills Hub and funded by the Greater London Authority, this programme provides funded, industry-focused training for eligible adults who live and work in Greater London. It is designed to help participants develop new skills, gain recognised qualifications and progress in their careers.

Horticulture student at Capel Manor College trimming a bush with shears.

Autumn 2026 course dates at our Enfield campus

Principles of Safe Handling and Application of Pesticides (PA1)

Courses running on 8 October, 13 October and 22 October

Safe Application of Pesticides Using Pedestrian Hand Held Equipment (PA6)

Courses running on 8-9 October, 13-14 October & 22-23 October
Boy cutting hedge

Safe Use of Brush-cutters and Trimmers

Courses running on 28 October and 19 November

What is London Talent Pathways?

London Talent Pathways is a Greater London Authority-funded programme connecting Londoners with the skills and qualifications needed in key sectors.

The programme is specifically for eligible adults who live and work in Greater London. Candidates can develop practical, industry-ready skills, gain recognised qualifications and valuable experience, build the specialist skills their employer is looking for and progress into career advancement or higher-level study.

The programme particularly aims to create opportunities for:

  • Young Londoners aged 19 to 23
  • People who are out of work
  • People earning less than the London Living Wage
  • Disabled Londoners
  • People without a Level 2 qualification
  • People aged 50 and over
  • Londoners from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities
Man planting plant

Supporting career progression

London Talent Pathways is designed to do more than help employees gain new skills and qualifications.

As an employer, you will be expected to support your employee’s meaningful progression in the workplace, helping Londoners use their new skills to take the next step in their careers.

Employers taking part in the programme will need to commit to supporting this progression and provide evidence of the outcome. This is an important part of demonstrating the impact of London Talent Pathways funding and showing how the training has led to tangible career benefits for the employee.

By participating, you are not simply supporting an employee to complete a course. You are investing in their development and creating a clear opportunity for them to progress within the workplace.

This could include:

  • An increase in pay
  • New or greater responsibilities
  • Progression into a more senior role
  • An improved job title that reflects their new skills and responsibilities
  • Progression into a new role or other positive career development

Running this Autumn

Principles of Safe Handling and Application of Pesticides (PA1)

This course provides the foundational knowledge required for the safe handling, storage and application of pesticides using pedestrian handheld equipment, such as knapsack sprayers.
 
During the day, candidates will cover the legal responsibilities and safety requirements for working with pesticides, including storage, transport, personal protective equipment (PPE), risk assessments, record keeping and interpreting product labels. To achieve the PA1 award a candidate must successfully complete and pass the online e-volve test. The e-volve test is a multiple-choice test that can take up to 60 minutes.
 
Once candidates have successfully secured the PA1 qualification, they can progress to the PA6a practical training.
 
Courses run on Thursday 8 October, Tuesday 13 October and Thursday 22 October.
 

Running this Autumn

Safe Application of Pesticides Using Pedestrian Hand-Held Equipment (PA6)

This Level 2 Award provides the essential knowledge and practical skills required for the safe handling, storage and application of pesticides using pedestrian handheld equipment, such as knapsack sprayers.
 
The course focuses on the safe and effective use of pedestrian handheld application equipment. Learners will gain practical experience in equipment setup, nozzle selection, sprayer calibration, application techniques and the safe cleaning and storage of spraying equipment. The PA6a training lasts for two days and includes both theory and practical training as well as a practical assessment
 
Candidates will gain the knowledge and competence required to legally and safely apply pesticides using pedestrian handheld equipment in a commercial setting. 
 
Courses run on Thursday 8 - Friday 9 October, Thursday 13 - Friday 14 October and Thursday 22 - Friday 23 October. 
 
Boy cutting hedge

Running this Autumn

Safe Use of Brush-cutters and Trimmers

This course covers the operation and maintenance of a nylon cord trimmer, brush cutter or clearing saw. Candidates will learn fundamentals of maintenance for their machines, key details on how to safely use them and further health and safety considerations.
 
Upon completion, candidates will receive a City and Guilds Award in the Safe Use of Brush-cutters and Trimmers.
 
Courses run on Wednesday 28 October and Friday 19 November.