Students in the farm

Horticulture

Horticulture and Landscape Operative Level 2 Apprenticeship

Print

In Brief

Start Date / Duration

You can start an apprenticeship at any time. You will need an employer to employ you as an apprentice and will have completed your College departmental induction. This course runs for 25 months and 1 day.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements will be determined by individual employers but typically potential apprentices will have a minimum of five GCSEs at Grades 3/D (including maths, English and Science) or other equivalent vocational qualifications. Employers, who recruit apprentices without the above levels of qualifications, will have to ensure they achieve Level 1 in English and maths as part of their apprenticeship.

  •  The Functional Skills minimum requirement is Level 1 English and maths and to sit the Level 2 English and maths Functional Skills examinations in order to access the gateway to the end point assessments for your apprenticeship standard.
  • Other requirements e.g. DBS may be required by your employer.
  • You will need to find an employer to employ you as an apprentice.

 Please see our apprenticeship vacancies to see our current opportunities.

 https://www.barnsley.ac.uk/our-departments/apprenticeships/apprenticeship-vacancies/

You will achieve

  • Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard – Horticulture Landscape Operative
  • City and Guilds WBL Level 2 Horticulture Diploma Landscape or Parks, Gardens and Green Spaces

Course Code

AFHOR

Course overview

The Horticulture and Landscape Operative Level 2 Apprenticeship prepares individuals for a career in horticulture, landscaping, and grounds maintenance, offering practical experience in a variety of settings. Apprentices will develop a diverse set of skills, from plant care and soil management to landscape construction, while working in all weather conditions across public and private spaces.

Course Highlights:

  • Industry Insight: Learn about the importance of green spaces, horticultural skills, and site-specific tasks.
  • Business Knowledge: Understand company policies, teamwork, and commercial pressures.
  • Health & Safety: Master relevant safety regulations and hazard management.
  • Environmental Responsibility: Focus on sustainability, waste reduction, and pollution control.
  • Plant Care: Understand plant growth, nutrition, and pest management.
  • Specialisms: Choose between horticulture or landscape construction for targeted skills.
  • Practical Skills: Operate tools and machinery safely and effectively, and carry out maintenance tasks.
  • Communication: Develop strong communication skills for team collaboration and customer service.

The apprenticeship offers valuable opportunities to build hands-on experience and advance in a rewarding industry.

Apprenticeship Standard – Horticulture and Landscape Operative

Core qualifications

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

  • Emergency First Aid: Level 2 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 and maths: Apprentices without Level 2 English and maths must achieve Level 1 qualification 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.

The final assessment will contain three components – all components must be passed for the apprentice to be deemed competent. These form 100% of the overall final assessment.

  • An online knowledge test.
  • A synoptic practical assessment.
  • Professional Discussion.

Level 2 Diploma Horticulture – Landscape or Parks, Gardens and Green Spaces route.

 You will be continually assessed in the workplace of your practical competences. You will produce a written knowledge portfolio to underpin all mandatory units.

 

 

 

 

All equipment will be provided.

You will study within the workplace and attend classes at Barnsley College, Wigfield Farm campus, Haverlands Lane, Worsborough, Barnsley, S70 5NQ.

The successful apprentice will have the opportunity to progress on to a higher level apprenticeship standard.

You may also wish to consider full-time FE and HE studies on completion of the higher level apprenticeship standard.

Job opportunities will also be enhanced for those apprentices who have completed the programme with promotion to more senior positions such as Assistant Head Gardener or Head Gardener or the option to progress by working in other green space facilities such as Botanical Gardens, University Grounds Maintenance, English Heritage and The National Trust as a Gardener/ Maintenance Operator/Technician.

How much does the course cost?

There is no cost to being an apprentice. All costs associated with your apprenticeship, including the cost of training and your salary, will be paid by your employer.

You may be eligible for assistance with expenses such as travel, books, equipment and childcare. For further information please contact the Student Services Team on 01226 216 267.

Extra information

For further information please contact the team on 01226 216 166 or email: apprenticeships@barnsley.ac.uk

 

 

Barnsley College has a range of sports opportunities for all students to take part in, gain professional training and compete nationally and internationally. We also have a state-of-the-art fitness village, Honeywell Sports Village where students can make use of our fitness suite, spinning studio and classes for competitive rates. You don’t have to be studying sport to get involved in the Sports Academy.

Our Additional Learning Support team can provide you with the support you need. Call 01226 216 769 for further information.

Having good English and Maths qualifications are important for most careers and we want to give you the help you need to succeed.

If you are aged 16 – 19 and don’t hold a grade C/4 or above in GCSE English and Maths, you will automatically be included in your study programme. If you want to work towards achieving a higher grade in English and Maths, we can help you do that too and we offer Level 3 Mathematical Studies (Core Maths) which can be added to your study programme.

If you’re aged 19 or above and don’t hold a a grade C/4 or above in GCSE English and Maths we can help. We offer FREE English and Maths qualifications that can be studied on a part-time basis, subject to eligibility.

If you need any further information, please contact our Information Team by calling 01226 216 123 or emailing info@barnsley.ac.uk

Please note we reserve the right to change details without notice. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Horticulture and Landscape Operative Level 2 Apprenticeship

Print
View other course in Horticulture
Skip to content