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RHS Level 2 Certificate in Practical Horticulture - EveningApply Now »
Location: Broomfield Hall
Years: 1
Weeks: 36
Hours: 3.00
Start: 10/09/2021
Days / Times:
Concessions: 600.00***
Interview: Y
Course Summary
This qualification provides a route to employment in professional horticulture by assessing knowledge of the principles underpinning horticultural practices. It also supports career development for those already working in the profession. In addition, it provides a foundation for further learning or training in the field of horticulture.
Entry requirements
You will need a keen interest in horticulture plus Maths and English at Level 1.
Course Content
The course will cover:
- Plant propagation
- Soil testing
- Practical skills in establishing and maintaining a range of different plant forms
- Care and pruning of plants
- Identification of a range of common garden plants, weeds, pests, diseases, disorders and beneficial organisms
- Vegetable gardening.
The qualification has a credit value of 15 and consists of seven units. Credits for the unit will be awarded to a candidate once they have reached the level of competency for all the specified tasks.
How will I be assessed?
The course will be assessed throughout to meet RHS criteria.
Are there any additional costs or specialist equipment required?
You will be required to supply your own:
- Steel toe-capped boots/wellingtons
- Overalls
- Secateurs
- Wet weather clothing
- Writing materials
What can I do after this course?
After the course, students can take the RHS Level 2 in Garden Planning and RHS theory. There is also the Level 3 Practical Certificate in Horticulture.
Derby College offers a range of one-day, weekend and evening courses relating to horticulture, as well as a wide range of other land-based topics - please see the Derby College Part-time Prospectus for a full list and details.
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*** Co-Tuition - This figure is the fee to be paid if you are entitled to any partial concessions.
Nathanael Confaloni
Nathanael branches out to manage tree surgery business
Tree surgeon Nathanael Confaloni had an inkling that he could run a business, but somehow doubted that he ever would.
But after taking Horticulture Level 2 and 3 at Derby College, and with a little nudge from his lecturers, that is exactly what he is doing. Nathanael, 24, got a love for gardening and landscaping from both of his green-fingered grandfathers.
He decided to take Horticulture at Broomfield Hall. The Level 2 course – "it was really good" – gave him skills and knowledge in areas such as plant nursery, landscaping and plant stock.
He said Level 3 furthered his skills and gave him the option of going on to university. But during college, Nathanael had worked part-time with the landscaping and tree surgery business, MW Haspel.
When he was offered a full-time job, he decided to go down that route, and also gained his qualifications for tree surgery. After a period with another business, Nathanael accepted the opportunity to return and run and manage MW Haspel's tree surgery operation.
Derby College had given him the skills and knowledge to set him on the road, with Level 3 giving him "a really helpful" insight into business management. His dad also managed his own business, fitting security cameras and lights, which provided useful background knowledge.
In future he said he may have the opportunity to take on the business entirely. And the best part of the job? The "awesome" views from the top of the tallest trees.
When I started at college I kind of thought of the idea of setting up on my own but didn't really think I would run a business. The lecturers gave me a little push and a bit of advice. Derby College was very important to me.
It's given me the skills and the knowledge I've got now. The lecturers were absolutely brilliant – all of them.
