Horticulture Operative Level 2 Apprenticeship

What will apprentices learn?
• Industry understanding; the importance and benefits of green-space and the types of horticultural skills appropriate to different businesses and cultural sites.
• Business; business policies, vision and values. Workers’ contribution to earning profit and awareness of commercial pressure. Understanding of how project management informs a team to achieve objectives.
• Communication; the importance of clear communication. Knowledge of different forms of communication aids and their use. The value of effective and timely communication in customer care.
• Health and safety; health and safety regulation, legislation, policy and procedure and the responsibility of workers. Knowledge of hazards and working to strict health, safety, quality and environmental (HSQE) processes particularly appropriate to horticultural sites.
• Environmental; waste and waste reduction and recycling and environmental best practice. Prevention and control of local pollution incidents.
• Plant growth and development; plant nutrition and plant requirements. The principles of germination, photosynthesis, respiration and transpiration (the science of plant growth). How to care for plants correctly in different environments. The relationship between environmental conditions and plant growth.
• Tools, equipment and machinery; correct tools, equipment and machinery required for the job and the importance of maintenance and regular checks of these items to ensure they remain in good working order. Legal requirement of training by a competent person and familiarity with operator training and certification requirements.

Working and learning in the horticulture industry is rewarding, offers a diverse range of employment and further training opportunities.

Applicants are likely to have 4 GCSEs A*- C / 9 - 4, including Maths and English, or equivalent, and will need to demonstrate the ability to achieve all elements of the apprenticeship during their programme, including working in a suitable job role.

Free to apprentices. This apprenticeship has a £6,000 funding band. Small companies may need to make a contribution of £300; large companies could pay through the apprenticeship levy if they have funds available.

Qualifications included:
•Level 1 Functional Skills in English and Maths
•Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid
•Level 2 Principles of Safe Handling and Application of Pesticides
•Level 2 Award In The Safe Application of Pesticides Using Pedestrian Hand Held Equipment
•Level 2 Horticulture Operative Apprenticeship