Level 2 Diploma in Practical Horticulture Skills

This course is aimed at school leavers who wish to learn more about the broad range of skills required to work competently within the horticulture industry.

You will be taught practical skills and theoretical background knowledge at College and will be expected to practise and develop these skills in the workplace.

You need a keen interest in horticulture and should be willing to complete physical, outdoor practical tasks.

You should have a minimum of three GCSEs at a grade 3 (D) and above, including English and/or Maths

OR

A Level 1 qualification at a Merit grade

To progress to Year 2 of the programme, you will need to achieve a Merit grade or above in Year 1.

This course includes:

• Tutorial
• Work experience – 150 hours in total
• Prepare ground or area for planting
• Plant out container-grown plants
• Plant a tree
• Care for a planted area
• Prune deciduous spring-flowering shrubs
• Prune free standing fruit trees in winter
• Propagate plants indoor from seed
• Propagate plants by stem cuttings
• Maintain turf
• Repair damaged turf

There will also be an opportunity for you to complete NPTC strimmer, mower and hedge cutter qualifications, with the training provided by the College and only the assessment fee payable.

You will also study GCSE Maths and/or English alongside your main study programme, if you do not already hold these at a grade 4 or above.

This course is delivered on-site at Broomfield Hall and is a mixture of classroom and practical, hands-on learning.

You will need:

• Steel toe-cap boots
• Derby College Group overalls (can be purchased at Induction)
• Outdoor clothing
• Gloves
• Waterproofs
• Writing materials

You will be assessed through a range of assessment types including workbooks, written assessments and practical assessments.

Successful completion of this programme may lead to:

• Year 2 of the qualification
• A Level 3 qualification
• An apprenticeship in Horticulture
• Full-time employment in the horticulture industry

For more information, contact Derby College Group on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk