HORTICULTURE AND LANDSCAPE OPERATIVE APPRENTICESHIP

Overview of Role:  

Horticulture and Landscape Operatives can be employed to work in public parks and gardens, green spaces and historic gardens, private gardens and estates or in production nurseries and retail outlets. Many businesses will be specialised in their activities; such as grounds maintenance (soft-landscape) or landscape construction (hard-landscape). Soft- landscaping includes the establishment and maintenance of plants and cultivated areas. Hard-landscaping includes establishment of hard surfaces and structures in addition to the establishment of plants in cultivated areas. 

Work is generally based outside and undertaken throughout the year, so apprentices will frequently work outside in all weathers. Often people new to the industry will start in a ‘hands-on’ role covering a range of practical tasks, with specialist skills being learnt through progression. A wide range of machinery and tools are used and additional training may be required depending on the nature of the works undertaken. 

For more information on the skills, knowledge and behaviours required to fulfil this role, please see: https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/horticulture-and-landscape-operative/ 

Duration:  

The apprenticeship will typically take 24 months to complete

If you have an employer that is willing to take you on as an apprentice, please provide us with those details so we can contact them.

If you don’t have an employer, all of our current vacancies are available to see and apply for on The College website and on Isle of Wight Jobs. In the meantime, someone from the apprenticeship team will contact you with information on the next steps.

Qualification:  

The following qualifications will be required prior to taking the end point assessment. 

• Emergency first aid: Level 3 award in emergency first aid at work. 
• Pesticides: Level 2 Principles of Safe Handling and Application of Pesticides Guidance OR Level 2 Award in the Safe Use of Pesticides 
• English & maths: apprentices without level 2 English and maths must achieve level 1 and take the test for level 2 before taking the end-point assessment. 

To comply with legislation / industry standards, individuals who wish to work in some sectors of the industry may have to complete additional certificates of training, statutory licences and health and safety approved competency cards in order to be permitted on to a worksite 

Assessment:  

The apprenticeship will end with an End Point Assessment (EPA). This measures the skills, knowledge and behaviours each apprentice has developed. Employers will decide when the apprentice is ready to be assessed. 

The End Point Assessment consists of:  

• A synoptic practical assessment containing a range of practical activities 
• Professional discussion  
• Online knowledge assessment meeting the knowledge requirements of the standard  

Delivery:  

Apprentices will complete work-based learning and will be paid a wage, gaining valuable knowledge and experience. In-house training will be provided by the employer with an Assessor visiting and supporting in the work place. Further training will be provided at the Isle of Wight College, depending on the needs of the learner and the employer. This method of delivery allows for a flexible approach which is tailored to each apprenticeship.  

There may be a cost for purchasing equipment or uniform for this course. Find out about financial support available.