Course overview
This apprenticeship is a hands-on, work-based training programme that blends practical experience with classroom learning. Apprentices develop core horticultural skills through weekly face-to-face sessions, guided by industry experts.
Designed around the seasonal rhythms of the sector, the programme supports progression through workplace mentoring, expert tuition, and immersive field-based learning experiences.
We work with a range of employers across the sector, including The Royal Parks, Kew Gardens and many more to ensure our training reflects current industry practice.
You will learn
- Health and safety
- More about the industry
- More about plant identification and nomenclature
- How to monitor plant growth
- How to check plant health
- How to use and maintain non-powered and hand-held powered equipment
- How to use and maintain pedestrian-controlled powered equipment
- How to protect the environment
- Vegetation control
- Soil science and cultivation
- Communication skills
- Business skills
- Plant establishment and maintenance
- Propagation
- How to establish and maintain amenity areas
- How to care for ornamental turf
- Plant behaviours
Apprenticeship Standard : Horticulture or Landscape Operative
Functional Skills in English and maths (if required)
Level 3 First Aid at Work Award (City & Guilds)
Level 2 Certificate in Safe Use of Pesticides
Level 2 Award in Safe Application of Pesticides Using Pedestrian Hand Held Equipment
Additional certification: Hand-Held Pedestrian Movers (if requested by employer)
Be at least 16 on entry.
Have proven abilities in English and Maths which are equivalent to GCSE grade 2 and above (E and above).
Be employed within the horticulture industry, working on average at least 30 hours per week under a contract of employment.
Successful completion of this course will enable you to progress to the Horticulture Supervisor Apprenticeship, Advanced Technical Diploma in Horticulture (Level 3) or continued employment in the horticulture industry.
As an apprentice, you do not pay for your course. Your employer pays all or part of the fee. We collect the remainder through our government contract.
Funding for this apprenticeship programme is dependant on the size of your business and the apprentice(s) recruited. Large employers will fund the programme though their Apprenticeship Levy whilst smaller employers may need to contribute up to 5% per apprentice to the total cost of training.
For further information, support with recruitment through the Capel Manor College Apprenticeship Talent Bank, or to discuss apprenticeship training for your existing team, please contact our Business Development Team at https://www.capel.ac.uk/employers-hub/apprenticeships/hiring-an-apprentice/.
