School Leaver

Start Date: Duration: Level: Study mode: Course location: Course Type:
September 1 Year Level 3 Full-Time Kirkley Hall Campus Full-time Vocational Apply

What’s it all about?

Immerse yourself in the dynamic world of horticulture, where you'll gain essential knowledge and hands-on experience in plant care, landscape design, and sustainable practices. From nurturing vibrant gardens to cultivating healthy crops, this qualification equips you with the skills needed to thrive in a range of green industry careers. Whether you’re drawn to working in garden centres, managing estates, or pursuing a future in landscape design, you’ll develop a deep understanding of soil science, plant health, and propagation techniques. With a strong focus on both the technical and creative aspects of the industry, this course provides a solid foundation to grow your expertise and open doors to various horticultural paths.

You will need 4 GCSEs at grade 4-9 including Maths, English and Science. Or a relevant Level 2 qualification.

Study level Cost Additional fees
16-18 Free You will need to provide your own stationery and you will be given the opportunity to take part in trips and visits.

The practical elements cover about 40% of the course and the theoretical elements about 60%.

Your progress will be assessed through successfully achieve the following assessments: Multiple choice Health and Safety test, an externally set, externally moderated assignment, a synoptic examination, one portfolio of evidence, optional unit assessments.

GCSE Maths and English are vital stepping stones for your academic and professional journey. Achieving a good grade in these subjects not only fulfils most college entry requirements but also equips you with essential skills critical in almost every field. Whether you're calculating percentages in business, crafting compelling arguments, or simply managing daily tasks, these core subjects enhance your problem-solving and communication abilities, setting a solid foundation for your future studies and career success. Start your college course with confidence by securing these key qualifications.

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 study programme offers a comprehensive introduction to a professional career in horticulture. Students will have the opportunities to study a wide range of horticultural topics including Garden Design, plant identification, lawn care.

The modules you will study include:

- Identification
- Selection and use of ornamental plants
- Maintaining turf in parks and gardens
- Plant and soil science
- Land-based machinery operations
- Principles of plant health and protection

What’s next?

Upon completing this qualification, students can progress to higher education in horticulture or related fields, such as landscape architecture or environmental management. Career opportunities include roles as professional gardeners, landscape designers, and grounds maintenance supervisors. For those passionate about sustainability and green spaces, there are paths into specialist areas like plant nurseries, botanical gardens, or even self-employment in garden design and maintenance. The skills gained will also support progression into apprenticeships, further strengthening expertise in this ever-growing industry.

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Why choose Northumberland College?

Rated Outstanding in all areas by Ofsted

2024

Top land-based college in the North East

100% pass rate for equine management and floristry courses

Our extensive re-development programme will create outstanding new facilities