C&G Level 1 Award in Land-based Studies - Intro to Gardening

The aim of this 10-week course is to provide a safe introduction to the Horticulture sector. Giving you vital industry insight to help you make informed career decisions and allow you to progress to further qualifications and employment opportunities. We hope it will inspire you to grow and to continue learning.

Depending on the season and the weather, the course includes plant establishment, propagation and maintenance: Getting plants started from seeds and cuttings, in both woody and non-woody plants as well as selecting compost and preparing the soil to create ideal conditions for plant growth.

This course will inspire you to take horticulture to another level! It is aimed at beginners, taking their first steps in to gardening.
For previous students this has allowed them to make better use of their gardens, take on a new garden or allotment. For others it has supported them in working with others in community and school projects.
In time, students could build on this, progressing through the award, certificate and diploma to become a professional horticulturalist, working in gardens, parks, green-keeping as well as growing for cafes and restaurants or their own retail customers.

Students will be able to progress through the Award, Certificate and Diploma in Horticulture. We will also be offering the Level 2 and Level 3 Diploma in Horticulture.
Level 1 Certificate in Land-based Studies
Level 1 Diploma in Land-based Studies
Level 2 Diploma in Horticulture
Level 3 Diploma in Horticulture
Or to an Apprenticeship at Level 2:
Level 2 Diploma in Work-based Horticulture (Apprenticeship)
Students could also consider similar courses offered at Houghall in Agriculture, Land and Wildlife, Animal Care or Arboriculture.
There are a wealth of short courses running from one to three days in the safe use of machinery. For example, Chainsaw, Brush-cutter, Chipper and Tractor Driving. Check the website for more details.

There are no formal entry requirements, but you must be physically capable of completing all assessments and have literacy skills sufficient to access the course materials.
We welcome applications from those who have been out of education for some time and look forward to supporting you in completing this course. We are here to help you.

The course is assessment by a mix of written and practical assignments, supported by your course tutor. Where this includes Health and Safety, there will also be a short on-line multiple-choice exam.

September 2024, 31st January/1st February 2025, April 2025.

The award runs for ten weeks, on a Friday or Saturday, 9am-12pm (three hours per session).