Level 2 Horticulture

You will need 3 GCSE's at grade 3-9. Or a relevant Level 1 qualification.

You will be guided and monitored throughout your study programme and assessed to ensure that you are ready for the “On line” tests in health and Safety and horticultural subject areas covered.

Part of your year you will undertake a synoptic assessment that will assess your skills and knowledge over the whole spectrum of the course.

Achieving a Grade 4 or above in GCSE Maths and English is important, but if you're not there yet, don’t worry! We provide supportive classes to help you meet these essential criteria. These subjects form the backbone of your educational toolkit, opening doors to further studies and exciting apprenticeships. Our sessions in Maths and English will equip you with the skills needed to thrive academically and professionally.

Placement opportunities are an integral part of our curriculum, designed to bridge the gap between academic studies and the professional world. These experiences enable students to apply theoretical knowledge to real workplace challenges, enhancing their academic learning with practical skills. Tailored to complement your studies, placements are offered in a range of industries, from innovative local startups to leading global corporations.
By actively participating in these structured and supportive environments, students not only observe but also contribute meaningfully to the workings of their chosen field. This hands-on approach boosts confidence and provides a competitive advantage in the job market. The insights and experience gained are often transformative, arming students with the necessary tools for a successful and dynamic career. These opportunities are crafted to ensure you emerge as a well-rounded professional, ready to make significant contributions in your future endeavours.

At Northumberland College our commitment to your future goes beyond the classroom. We are dedicated to providing you with real-world experiences and industry insights that will prepare you not just to enter, but to excel in your chosen field. Here’s how we connect you with the industry:

• Placement Opportunities: Dive into your future career with our hands-on placement opportunities. These are not just work experiences, but gateways to potential employment and invaluable learning. They’re a core part of our courses, offering you a chance to apply academic theories in real-world scenarios.
• Networking Events: Build your professional network early. Our placement and careers fairs are your chance to meet and impress potential employers. These events are designed to help you forge significant industry connections that can enhance your career prospects. Attend talks, engage in discussions, and explore apprenticeship opportunities with employers who are eager to meet fresh talent.
• Expert Insights: Stay ahead of the curve with talks from specialist speakers. These industry leaders share the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the field, giving you the inside track on what to expect and how to thrive.
• Skills Competitions: Showcase your abilities in our exciting skills competitions. Held throughout the academic year, these competitions are not just about winning – they are about learning, growing, and pushing your limits. They offer a fun, competitive environment to enhance what you learn in class and develop essential industry skills.

This Level 2 Technical Certificate in Horticulture Study Programme is for students over 16 years old who a keen to learn and work in the Horticultural sector. During the programme you will gain practical skills and knowledge around commercial gardening and landscaping. Plant naming, identification, selection and science and using horticultural machinery and tools. You will also have opportunities to complete masterclasses in safe use of machinery and propagation. The programme also includes Maths and English (see below) and a certain amount of self-study. This will help you become more independent and prepare you for employment in the sector, a further level three course or an apprenticeship.

- Commercial gardening and landscaping – Carry out seasonal maintenance tasks for gardens, hard landscaping tasks, propagation techniques and design a small garden area.

- Horticultural business practices – Understanding business practices, understanding the sales skills used in horticultural business.

- Care, maintenance and use of tools, equipment and machinery – Understanding safe working principles when using tools, equipment and machinery. Prepare land-based tools, equipment and machinery for use. Use and maintain tools, equipment and machinery.

- Preparation, planting and maintenance of plants – Understand the basic principles of soil and growing media. Cultivate soil and growing media to receive plants. Planting and potting up plants, establish grassed areas from seed and turf and maintain grassed areas.

- Plant naming, identification, selection and science – Understanding the naming of plants, identify and select plants and understanding plant growth and development.

- Working in the horticulture industry – Know the structure of the horticulture industry, know employment rights and responsibilities and understanding the organisation of business.

- Health and safety for the land-based industries – Understand the impact legislation has on land-based industries, understanding risk assessment requirements and safe working practices when working in land-based industries.