The content of these Pathways have been agreed by Lantra. These are the only Horticulture Apprenticeship Pathways in the Agriculture & Environment sector approved for use in Wales that are eligible for Medr funding.
Learning Programme Content
The Learning Programme provision shall comprise of three mandatory elements:
- Qualifications,
- Essential Skills
- On/off the job training
The total minimum credit value required for the Level 2 Horticulture is 49 credits.
The total minimum credit value required for the Level 3 Horticulture 69 credits.
Duration of the Apprenticeship
The duration of the Foundation Apprenticeship is 12 – 24 months (flex), Apprenticeship is 20 – 30 months (flex) and Higher Apprenticeship is 24 – 36 months (flex).
Entry requirements
Level 2: Horticulture
There are no entry requirements for the Foundation Apprenticeship in Horticulture, however, a strong interest in and commitment to the sector is vital for successful completion of the programme.
Additionally, there are qualifications and courses that will help learners understand the sector prior to starting:
- Level 1 Certificate in Land-based Operations
- Level 1 Diploma in Horticulture
- Level 1 Diploma in Work-based Horticulture
- Level 1 NVQ in Amenity/Production Horticulture
- Level 1 Diploma in Practical Horticulture Skills
- Level 1 Award/Certificate/Diploma in Work-based Land-based Operations
- RHS Introductory Award in Practical Horticulture
- Level 1 RHS Award in Practical Horticulture
- GCSEs/A levels
Learners who have completed the Welsh Baccalaureate may have completed units or short courses which will provide underpinning knowledge towards the Foundation Apprenticeship, this will be assessed during an initial assessment allowing Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) where appropriate.
Level 3: Horticulture
A strong interest in and commitment to the sector is vital for successful completion of the programme. Practical experience within the Horticulture industry is recommended at this level.
Additionally, there are qualifications and courses that will help learners understand the sector prior to starting:
- Level 2 Diploma in Work-based Horticulture
- Level 2 NVQ in Amenity/Production Horticulture
- Level 2 Certificate in Practical Horticulture Skills
- Level 2 Diploma in the Principles and Practices of Horticulture
- Level 2 BTEC Extended Certificate in Sports and Amenity Turf Management
- Level 2 Certificate in Gardening
- Level 2 Certificate in Garden Design
- Level 2 RHS Certificate in Practical Horticulture
- Level 2 RHS Diploma in the Principles and Practices of Horticulture
- Level 2 RHS Principles of Plant Growth, Propagation and Development
- Level 2 RHS Principles of Garden Planning, Establishment and Maintenance
- Level 2 RHS Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture
- 3 GCSEs (A*-C) /A levels
Learners who have completed the Welsh Baccalaureate or Pathways to Apprenticeships may have completed units or short courses which will provide underpinning knowledge towards the Apprenticeship, this will be assessed during an initial assessment allowing Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) where appropriate.
Apprenticeship pathway learning programme(s)
Level 2: Horticulture
Level 2: Horticulture Qualifications
Participants must achieve the following combined qualification below.
| Level 2 Diploma in Work-based Horticulture (QCF) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awarding Body | Qualification No. | Credit Value | Total Qualification Time | Combined / Competence / Knowledge | Qualification Assessment Lanaguage(s) |
| City & Guilds | C00/0622/0 601/2631/0 | 37 | 370 | Combined | English Only |
Please see Annex 1 for the relationship between the competence and knowledge units within the combined qualification.
Essential Skills Wales (ESW)
| Level 2: Horticulture | Level | Minimum Credit Value |
|---|---|---|
| Communication | 1 | 6 |
| Application of number | 1 | 6 |
On/Off the Job training
| Pathway | Minimum On the Job Training Hours | Minimum Off the Job Training Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Level 2: Horticulture | 1292 | 323 |
On/Off the Job Qualification details (Minimum Credit & Hours)
37 credits for competence and knowledge - Level 2 Diploma in Work-based Horticulture (QCF).
As the duration of the Foundation Apprenticeship is flexible the total amount of learning hours, which includes both on and off the job training, will also vary. This will be between 1615 hours for 12 months and 3230 hours for 24 months.
On/Off the Job Essential Skills details (Minimum Credit & Hours)
6 credits/45 GLH for Level 1 Essential Skills Wales Communication
6 credits/45 GLH for Level 1 Essential Skills Wales Application of Number
Level 3: Horticulture
Level 3: Horticulture Qualifications
Participants must achieve the following combined qualifications below.
| Level 3 Diploma in Work-based Horticulture (QCF) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awarding Body | Qualification No. | Credit Value | Total Qualification Time | Combined / Competence / Knowledge | Qualification Assessment Lanaguage(s) |
| City & Guilds | C00/0110/0 500/6255/4 | 57 | 570 | Combined | English Only |
Please see Annex 2 for the relationship between the competence and knowledge units within the combined qualification.
Essential Skills Wales (ESW)
| Level 3: Horticulture | Level | Minimum Credit Value |
|---|---|---|
| Communication | 2 | 6 |
| Application of number | 2 | 6 |
On/Off the Job training
| Pathway | Minimum On the Job Training Hours | Minimum Off the Job Training Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Level 3: Horticulture | 1292 | 323 |
On/Off the Job Qualification details (Minimum Credit & Hours)
57 credits for competence and knowledge - Level 3 Diploma in Work-based Horticulture (QCF).
As the duration of the Apprenticeship is flexible the total amount of learning hours, which includes both on and off the job training, will also vary. This will be between 2692 hours for 20 months and 4037 for 30 months.
On/Off the Job Essential Skills details (Minimum Credit & Hours)
6 credits/45 GLH for Level 2 Essential Skills Wales Communication
6 credits/45 GLH for Level 2 Essential Skills Wales Application of Number
Level 4: Horticulture
Level 4: Horticulture Qualifications
Participants must achieve the following combined qualification below.
| Level 4 Diploma in Work-based Horticulture | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awarding Body | Qualification No. | Credit Value | Total Qualification Time | Combined / Competence / Knowledge | Qualification Assessment Lanaguage(s) |
| Agored Cymru | C00/4264/2 | 80 | 800 | Combined | English-Welsh |
Please see Annex 3 for the relationship between the competence and knowledge units within the combined qualification.
Essential Skills Wales (ESW)
| Level 4: Horticulture | Level | Minimum Credit Value |
|---|---|---|
| Communication | 2 | 6 |
| Application of number | 2 | 6 |
| Digital literacy | 2 | 6 |
On/Off the Job training
| Pathway | Minimum On the Job Training Hours | Minimum Off the Job Training Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Level 4: Horticulture | 1292 | 323 |
On/Off the Job Qualification details (Minimum Credit & Hours)
80 credits for competence and knowledge - Agored Cymru Level 4 Diploma in Work-based Horticulture (QCF).
As the duration of the Higher Apprenticeship is flexible the total amount of learning hours, which includes both on and off the job training, will also vary. This will be between 3230 for 24 months and 4845 for 36 months.
On/Off the Job Essential Skills details (Minimum Credit & Hours)
6 credits/45 GLH for Level 2 Essential Skills Wales Communication
6 credits/45 GLH for Level 2 Essential Skills Wales Application of Number
6 credits/45 GLH for Level 2 Essential Skills Wales Digital Literacy
Other additional requirements
Level 2: Horticulture
For the Foundation Apprenticeship the Horticulture industry has requested the completion of three of the following Additional Employment Requirements, one Mandatory and two Optional. These additional employment requirements will enhance the Apprenticeship and facilitate employment within the industry. Additional Employment Requirements are not required for certification and may not be funded.
Mandatory:
- Emergency First Aid (one-day course meeting the requirements outlined by Health and Safety Executive HSE)
- Two other accredited, legislative or nationally recognised occupational tests
- relevant to the industry (suggested list below):
- Safe Use of Pesticides (PA1 + PA2 or PA6)
- Basic Food Hygiene (FSA Approved)
- Cylinder and Rotary Operated Pedestrian Mowers
- Safe Use of Pedestrian Controlled Two-Wheeled Tractors
- Chainsaw and Related Operations
- Safe Use of Hedge Trimmers
- Safe Manual Handling Operator
- Forklift Truck Operations
- Tractor Driving and Related Operations
- Driving a Vehicle with a Trailer
- Safe Use of Powered Cultivators
- Stump Grinding Operations
- Safe Use of Turf Maintenance Equipment
- Ride-on Mowers
- All-Terrain Vehicle Handling
- Wood chipping/Chipper Shredding
- CAT Training
- Materials Handler Certificate
- Brushwood Chipper Operations
- Safe Use of Abrasive Wheel Machines
- Integrated Pollution Prevention Control Certificate
- Sustainable Management of Natural Resources (SMNR)
Recommended but not mandatory:
- ROLO (run by BALI)
- Land-based Industry Skills Scheme (LISS/CSCS) card
Level 3 Apprenticeship in Horticulture
For the Apprenticeship the Horticulture industry has requested the completion of three of the following Additional Employment Requirements, one Mandatory and two Optional. These additional employment requirements will enhance the Apprenticeship and facilitate employment within the industry. Additional Employment Requirements are not required for certification and may not be funded.
Note: If an apprentice has previously achieved the Level 2 apprenticeship, it is recommended that they take different courses.
Mandatory:
- Emergency First Aid (one-day course meeting the requirements outlined by Health and Safety Executive HSE)
- Two other accredited, legislative or nationally recognised occupational tests relevant to the industry (suggested list below):
- Safe Use of Pesticides (PA1 + PA2 or PA6) - mandatory for Greenkeeper
- Basic Food Hygiene (FSA Approved)
- Cylinder and Rotary Operated Pedestrian Mowers
- Safe Use of Pedestrian Controlled Two-Wheeled Tractors
- Chainsaw and Related Operations
- Safe Use of Hedge Trimmers
- Safe Manual Handling Operator
- Forklift Truck Operations
- Tractor Driving and Related Operations
- Driving a Vehicle with a Trailer
- Safe Use of Powered Cultivators
- Stump Grinding Operations
- Safe Use of Turf Maintenance Equipment
- Ride-on Mowers
- All-Terrain Vehicle Handling
- Wood chipping/Chipper Shredding
- CAT Training
- Materials Handler Certificate
- Brushwood Chipper Operations
- Safe Use of Abrasive Wheel Machines
- Integrated Pollution Prevention Control Certificate
- Sustainable Management of Natural Resources (SMNR)
Recommended but not mandatory:
- ROLO (run by BALI)
- Land-based Industry Skills Scheme (LISS/CSCS) card
Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship in Horticulture
For the Higher Apprenticeship the Horticulture industry has requested the completion of one Mandatory Additional Employment Requirement. These additional employment requirements will enhance the Apprenticeship and facilitate employment within the industry. Additional Employment Requirements are not required for certification and may not be funded.
Note: If an apprentice has previously achieved the Level 2 and/or 3 apprenticeship, it is recommended that they take different courses.
Mandatory:
- Emergency First Aid (one-day course meeting the requirements outlined by Health and Safety Executive HSE)
Recommended but not mandatory:
- from suggested list below in accredited, legislative or nationally recognised occupational tests relevant to the industry, such as:
- VAT/Tax returns (HMRC)
- Leadership and Management skills
- IOSHH Managing safely
- NEBOSH Award in H&S at Work
- NEBOSH Environmental Awareness at Work
- Sustainable Management of Natural Resources (SMNR)
- ROLO (run by BALI)
- Land-based Industry Skills Scheme (LISS/CSCS) card
Job roles
The types of jobs available include:
Level 2: Horticulture
Gardener
Landscaper
Nursery Worker
Fruit and Vegetable
Production Worker
Cemetery Worker
Greenkeeper
Groundsman
Level 3: Horticulture
Horticultural Technician
Deputy Head
Greenkeeper
Deputy Head
Groundsman
Garden Designer
Senior Gardener
Gardener (Historic and
Botanic)
Parks Officer
Level 4: Horticulture
Golf Course Manager
Landscape Manager
Head Gardener
Nursery Manager
Production Manager
Progression
The Horticulture industry values the Foundation Apprenticeship as an entry route into the sector and in Wales have also developed the Higher Apprenticeship to provide progression opportunities to ensure the future of the skills and knowledge within the industry.
Level 2: Horticulture
Progression opportunities onto the Horticulture Foundation Apprenticeship exist for adult learners who have experience within the Horticulture industry or who are looking for a career change.
Level 3: Horticulture
For apprentices who wish to continue their development of skills and qualifications beyond Level 3 Diploma in Work-based Environmental Conservation there would also be the opportunity to progress into other related careers, such as sustainable food production, plant retail, Horticulturist.
Level 4: Horticulture
Apprentices successfully completing the Apprenticeship have opportunities to progress within the industry by progressing to Higher Education courses such as a HNC/D.
Examples of courses available across the UK and Wales include:
- Horticulture
- Applied Horticulture
- Plant Science
- Garden Design
- Landscape and Garden Design
Progression will be dependent on the qualifications and experience an individual possesses as achievement alone of the Apprenticeship does not guarantee entry to these opportunities.
Equality and diversity
It is important that apprenticeship Pathways are inclusive and can demonstrate an active approach to identifying and removing barriers to entry and progression. Pathways should advance equality of opportunity between persons who share protected characteristics and those persons who do not as identified in the Equality Act 2010.
The Protected characteristics identified in the Equality Act are age, disability, gender re-assignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity. Marriage and civil partnership is also included although only in respect of the requirement to eliminate discrimination in employment.
Training providers and employers MUST also comply with the other duty under the Equality Act 2010 to ensure that applicants are not discriminated against in terms of entry to the industry based upon those nine protected characteristics.
The horticulture industry employees are mainly males (73%), which is significantly higher than the sector average of 68% (UK) male employees and Wales' average at 71%. Whilst the industry doesn’t preclude females from working in the sector, it is suggested that the imbalance is due to an out-dated perception of horticulture employment as traditionally a male dominated industry despite many roles in horticulture being carried out by females. It is interesting to note that Further Education enrolments onto Horticulture related learning programmes are also mainly male at an average of 70% compared with work-based learning enrolments 97%.
There are a wide range of hands-on roles for people of all ages and abilities together with an increasing need for skilled managerial, high-tech and specialist people. Lantra’s research predicts that there will be increased demand for Horticulture workers over the next decade.
Businesses in Horticulture vary enormously, as it is such a diverse industry, split into 2 main areas - amenity and production horticulture. The industry offers a huge range of opportunities, such as landscaping, sports turf and golf green-keeping, private heritage and botanic gardens, commercial grounds, public parks and greenspace, garden centres and nurseries.
There are no actual barriers to recruitment into the industry. There may be some physical restrictions in parts of the horticulture industry especially whilst working with heavy equipment and machines. This should not rule anyone out as there may be opportunities elsewhere in the industry.
Resolutions and further work:
The units within the Diploma in Work-based Horticulture have been written in collaboration with partner awarding organisations, to ensure that they are free from bias, accessible to all apprentices and are applicable to a wide range of roles and businesses within Horticulture. Because of the diverse nature of the Horticulture sector the competence and knowledge qualifications have been developed from these units to allow maximum flexibility and choice within the rules of combination.
Lantra will work with the Horticulture industry to promote the need for skilled managerial, high-tech and specialist people. This will also take into account the need to increase female and ethnic participation in the industry. Activities will include:
- Increasing the awareness of the Horticulture Apprenticeship with specific promotions, in particular focusing on under-represented groups, females etc Increasing marketing and communications, highlighting the opportunities to a wide range of careers
- Using Lantra’s careers web pages to inform careers advisors and apprentices of the opportunities available in the industry.
Employment responsibilities and rights
Employment Responsibilities and Rights (ERR) is no longer compulsory. But it is recommended that all apprentices (especially the 16 years -18 year group) receive a company induction programme.
Responsibilities
It is the responsibility of the Training Provider/Employer to ensure that the requirements of this Pathway are delivered in accordance with the Welsh Government/Medr Apprenticeships Guidance.
Further information may be obtained from: Medr
Annex 1 - Level 2: Horticulture
There is one qualification, Level 2 Diploma in Work-based Horticulture, which includes
both competence and knowledge.
The competence and knowledge elements will be achieved through completion of the
mandatory and optional units listed within the awarding organisation's (ABC Awards, C&G or
Highfield) guidance and will total a minimum of 37 credits, 10 of which will form the
knowledge element and be assessed via independent methods.
The competence units will be separately assessed to the knowledge units listed below.
The choice of knowledge units will depend on the role and workplace the apprentice is working in and will need to be agreed with the apprentice, employer and providers at the start of the programme.
Knowledge units:
- Monitoring and maintaining health and safety (2 credits knowledge)
- Maintain and develop personal performance (1 credit knowledge)
- Establishing and maintaining effective working relationship with others (1 credit knowledge)
- Levelling and preparing sites for landscaping (3 credits knowledge)
- Clearing horticultural and landscaping sites (1 credit knowledge)
- Establishing crops or plants in growing medium (2 credits knowledge)
- Preparing ground for seeding and planting (2 credits knowledge)
- Establishing plants and/or seeds in soil (2 credits knowledge)
- Maintain the health of sports turf (3 credits knowledge)
- Maintain the condition of sports turf surfaces (4 credits knowledge)
- Renovate and repair sports surfaces (2 credits knowledge)
- Prepare and excavate internment plots (Dig graves) (2 credits knowledge)
- Prepare, backfill and restore graves and internment plots (3 credits knowledge)
- Use and maintain non-powered and hand held powered tools and equipment (1credit knowledge)
- Use and maintain pedestrian controlled powered equipment (1 credit knowledge)
- Use and maintain ride-on powered equipment (2 credits knowledge)
- Monitor and report on the growth and development of crops and plants (2 credits knowledge)
- Remove unwanted plant growth to maintain development (3 credits knowledge)
- Carry out harvesting operations (2 credits knowledge)
- Plant nomenclature, terminology and identification (3 credits knowledge)
- Communicate information within the workplace (1 credit knowledge)
- Load and unload physical resources within the work area (1 credit knowledge)
- Prepare and operate a tractor and attachments (2 credits knowledge)
- Identify and report the presence of pests, diseases and disorders (2 credits knowledge)
Annex 2 - Level 3: Horticulture
There is one qualification, Level 3 Diploma in Work-based Horticulture, which includes both competence and knowledge.
The competence and knowledge elements will be achieved through completion of the mandatory and optional units listed within the awarding organisation's (ABC Awards or C&G) guidance and will total a minimum of 57 credits, 10 of which will form the knowledge element and be assessed via independent methods.
The competence units will be separately assessed to the knowledge units listed below.
The choice of knowledge units will depend on the role and workplace the apprentice is working in and will need to be agreed with the apprentice, employer and providers at the start of the programme.
Knowledge units:
- Promote, monitor, and maintain health and safety and security (3 credits knowledge)
- Specify the maintenance of landscapes (3 credits knowledge)
- Plan and manage the control of pests, diseases and disorders (2 credits knowledge)
- Estimate and programme resource requirements for landscaping (3 credits knowledge)
- Manage your own resources (2 credits knowledge)
- Monitor landscape maintenance and inspect landscape features and facilities (2 credits
- knowledge)
- Evaluate ground and environmental conditions to establish grassed and planted areas (2
- credits knowledge)
- Prepare sites for soft landscape establishment (2 credits knowledge)
- Establish grass swards (2 credits knowledge)
- Plan the maintenance, repair and renovation of sports turf areas (3 credits knowledge)
- Plan and set out sports areas (2 credits knowledge)
- Maintain irrigation systems (2 credits knowledge)
- Provide nutrients to plants or crops (3 credits knowledge)
- Monitor the development of crops or plants (2 credits knowledge)
- Manage information for action (3 credits knowledge)
Annex 3 - Level 4: Horticulture
An integrated qualification at Level 3 which combines competence and technical knowledge elements in which each element is separately assessed and in which each element carries at least ten credits.
There is one qualification, Level 4 Diploma in Work-based Horticulture, which includes both competence and knowledge.
The competence and knowledge elements will be achieved through completion of the mandatory and optional units listed within the awarding organisation's (Agored Cymru) guidance and will total a minimum of 80 credits, a minimum of 10 of which will form the
knowledge element and be assessed via independent methods.
The competence will be separately assessed to the knowledge as listed below. The choice of knowledge units will depend on the role and workplace the apprentice is working in and will need to be agreed with the apprentice, employer and providers at the start of the programme.
Mandatory units:
- Plant use and association (4 credits competence and 4 credits knowledge)
- Manage the establishment, maintenance and sustainability of plants (6
- credits competence and 2 credits knowledge)
- Plan the control of weeds, pests and diseases (3 credits competence and 2
- credits knowledge)
Optional units
- Plant and soil systems (1 credit competence and 3 credits knowledge)
- Management of established environmental areas (3 credits competence and 3 credits knowledge)
- Management of hydro systems (3 credits competence and 3 credits knowledge)
- Plant nutrition (2 credits competence and 2 credits knowledge)
- Manage horticultural resources (3 credits competence and 2 credits knowledge)
- Customer care within land-based business operations (2 credits competence and 3 credits knowledge)
- Quality and performance in sports turf (3 credits competence and 4 credits knowledge)
- Mechanisation management for sports turf (4 credits knowledge)
- Plan and manage the construction and maintenance of sports turf surfaces (5 credits competence and 2 credits knowledge)
- Design concepts (4 credits competence and 1 credit knowledge) - Surveying (4 credits competence and 1 credit knowledge)
- Garden heritage (3 credits competence and 5 credits knowledge)
- Principles of woodland management (2 credits competence and 2 credits knowledge)
- Fruit and vegetable production management (6 credits competence and 2 credits knowledge)
- Organic horticulture (4 credits knowledge)
- Manage nursery crop production (5 credits competence and 2 credits knowledge)
- Manage harvesting operations (4 credits competence and 1 credit knowledge)
- Workplace management for landscaping (20 credits competence and 5 credits knowledge)
- Workplace management for parks, gardens & green spaces (20 credits competence and 5 credits knowledge)
- Workplace management for production horticulture (20 credits competence and 5 credits knowledge)
- Workplace management for sports turf (20 credits competence and 5 credits knowledge)