College-Course: Level 2 Apprenticeship Horticulture and Landscape Operative
Accredited by Lantra
Introduction
Launch your career with a Horticulture and Landscape Operative apprenticeship programme. Develop the knowledge and skills to succeed in this vocational industry, where you can expect to build and maintain horticultural spaces in areas such as parks, green spaces and other areas. Study a Level 2 qualification while you work.
Course highlights
- Work in a large and diverse sector that offers opportunities in areas such as public parks and gardens, green spaces, schools, tourist attractions, business and retail parks, historic gardens, private gardens, and estates.
- Progression route to Advanced Level 3 Horticulture and Landscape Supervisor to advance your career.
- Gain on-the-job experience and qualifications whilst employed and earning a wage.
As a horticultural or landscape operative apprentice, you'll learn to create and maintain horticultural spaces, including both the soft aspects (plants and soil) and the hard aspects (surfaces, features, and structures). Depending on your job role and your employment, you may carry out a full range of operations from landscape construction through to maintenance or specialise.
Employers may be charities, commercial businesses or public sector organisations and range in size from micro businesses through to large employers. Many organisations will be specialised in their activities, such as grounds maintenance or landscape construction.
Our Level 2 Horticulture and Landscape Operative apprenticeship delivers on-the-job training and vocational qualifications to ensure you work competently and confidently in your chosen sector developing the right knowledge, skills and behaviours to put you in good stead at the beginning of your career.
You can choose between the Horticulture pathway or Landscaping pathway, depending on your job role.
Key facts
An apprenticeship is a job with training, combining practical experience with vocational learning.
At least 20% of your contracted working hours will be classed as 'off-the-job'. This time will be dedicated to developing the knowledge and skills needed to meet the requirements of the apprenticeship, and therefore is not part of your usual work duties.
The off-the-job learning will be delivered through on-campus learning sessions and activities, and practical learning experiences in your usual work setting.
The off-the-job learning for our Horticulture and Landscape Operative Intermediate Apprenticeship is delivered through workshops at Writtle College.
Examples of some of the topics you may cover (depending on pathway) are listed below.
Assessment
Throughout your on-the-job training you will develop a portfolio to demonstrate your core knowledge, skills and behaviours and be assessed throughout your training. You must also either already have maths and English at level 2 or obtain these prior to the end-point-assessment.
You will also undertake an End Point Assessment (EPA) to complete your apprenticeship. The EPA for this apprenticeship consists of three parts: i. Practical assessment with questions; ii. Multiple-choice test; iii. Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence.
Depending on the pathway, you will also gain the following certification:
Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work (Ofqual registered).
Horticulture pathway - City and Guilds Level 2 Principles of Safe Handling and Application of Pesticides AND City and Guilds Level 2 Award in The Safe Application of Pesticides Using Pedestrian Handheld Equipment.
Landscaping Pathway – Abrasive Wheel qualification.
Accreditation
Accredited by Lantra
Lantra work with a wide range of employers and apprenticeship training providers to provide essential levels of support and quality independent assessment of End Point Assessments (EPA) across many apprenticeships in the land-based sector.
Careers
Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, you will have a Level 2 Horticulture and Landscape Operative apprenticeship as well as a minimum of 20 months' relevant work experience. The skills, knowledge and experience you develop during the course will open a wide range of roles in the horticulture and/or landscaping sector.
Some typical job titles include gardener, grounds maintenance operative, horticulturalist, and landscaper.
Entry requirements
In addition to any person specifications set out by your employer, these are the entry requirements for the course.
- Employment in a suitable role on a permanent contract exceeding 30 hours per week.
- Either Level 2 in Maths and English; or Level 1 in Maths and English and willingness to study at Level 2*.
- Employer support to undertake this course.
- Confirmed eligibility to be funded as an apprentice as set out within the ESFA’s Funding Rules.
- A completed Initial Needs Assessment Form.
You must be physically fit and happy to work outside in all weather conditions. You may need to travel long distances as a part of some jobs.
Apply now
How to apply
An apprentice needs to be in paid employment, so whilst you can apply for the apprenticeship before you find an employer, you’ll need to be employed before you can start the course.
Already employed?
If you are already employed in a suitable job role, you can apply directly by completing this application form.
To apply for an apprenticeship, you need to have the support of your employer. If you already have the support of your employer or have any questions before talking to them, please do not hesitate to contact one of our apprenticeship experts who will be happy to help.
Not employed?
Visit our Writtle Apprenticeship Vacancies page to see all our live vacancies and get tips on how to get an apprenticeship job.
For employers
If you have any questions or would like to discuss any aspect of this apprenticeship, then the Writtle College Apprenticeship Team are here to help. Get in touch today on the details above or take a look at our information for employers.
Current vacancies
Writtle Apprenticeship job vacancies
To be eligible to apply for one of our apprenticeships, you’ll first need to be in a full-time position with one of our partner employers. Browse current vacancies.