Course overview
Skills Bootcamps - Professional Gardening is a full-time, five-week training programme designed for adults who want to start or grow their own gardening business.
You will attend training Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, gaining hands-on horticultural skills alongside practical business development support.
This is a fast-paced, immersive training programme that mirrors the realities of working in the industry. You will train at Capel Manor College’s beautiful gardens and estates, developing plant knowledge, maintenance techniques and design understanding. Alongside your core training, you will also receive one-to-one support with your advisor to help you build your business plan, find clients, and register as self-employed. Continued guidance and mentoring will be available until the end of March.
Whether you are completely new to horticulture or have some experience and want to formalise your skills, this Skills Bootcamps programme will give you the knowledge, confidence and business acumen to succeed as a self-employed, professional gardener.
You will learn
- Practical gardening techniques including planting, pruning and soil management
- Seasonal maintenance and plant care in real garden settings
- Sustainable and wildlife-friendly gardening practices
- How to price work, manage clients and market your services
- Building a business plan and understanding self-employment
- Health, safety and environmental good practice
You will achieve a Level 2 Award in Practical Horticulture Skills (City & Guilds or equivalent), demonstrating your ability to work safely and effectively in the horticulture industry.
There are no formal entry requirements. However, you must:
– Be aged 19 or over
– Live in London
– Have the right to live and work in the UK
– Be available full-time (Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm) for five weeks
– Be motivated to start or develop your own gardening business
– Have a strong interest in working outdoors and learning new skills
After completing the Skills Bootcamp, you will be ready to:
– Start your own gardening business or take on clients as a self-employed professional
– Access ongoing support from Capel Manor advisors and networks
– Progress to higher-level training or apprenticeships in horticulture or landscaping
This course is fully funded by the Greater London Authority, so there are no costs for eligible learners. If you are aged 19 or over and live in London, you can join for free.
