Technical Certificate in Horticulture

This course is ideal if you’re looking to start a career in the horticulture sector. Horticulture covers a diverse range of industries, combining the science, art, technology and business of growing plants.

Achieving this qualification demonstrates to employers that you have the technical skills and knowledge they are looking for when recruiting trainee horticulture operatives. Towards the end of the course, you’ll have opportunities to impress potential employers during workdays, helping you take the next step towards finding employment.

You’ll develop an understanding of the skills and knowledge needed to work in a horticultural setting or progress to further learning and training in this area. With plenty of practical experience and support, you’ll build your skills and confidence as a horticulturalist.

This course primarily focuses on the production of fruit, vegetables, flowers, trees, shrubs and glasshouse crops.

You will learn:

• Production techniques in horticulture
• Health and safety for the land-based industries
• Working in the horticulture industry
• Plant naming, identification, selection and science
• Establishment and maintenance of plants outdoors
• Care, maintenance and use of tools and machinery
• Horticulture business skills

Synoptic assignment: Requires you to identify and effectively apply an appropriate selection of skills, techniques, concepts, theories and knowledge from across the course content in an integrated way.

1.5-hour theory exam: Assesses your depth and breadth of understanding across the qualification at the end of the learning period. The exam includes a range of question types and is sat under invigilated examination conditions. It covers Units 202, 203, 204, 205 and 206.

Health and Safety theory exam: Assesses your depth and breadth of understanding of Unit 201, Health and Safety for the Land-Based Industries.

Assignment: Requires you to identify and effectively apply skills, knowledge and understanding from across Unit 210, Production Techniques in Horticulture.

Grading: Assessments and exams are graded Pass, Merit or Distinction.

4 GCSEs at grade 3 and above to include English or Maths OR a Level 1 in a related subject plus English or Maths, at least grade 3 or Functional skills level