Designing and maintaining extensive gardens, parks and other green spaces.
Overview
Approved for delivery on the 27/06/2017, the horticulture or landscape operative, Intermediate apprenticeship standard provides a level 2, upon completion. This apprenticeship will typically take 24 months to complete, not including the End-Point Assessment Period.
What the course covers
The role of a Horticulture or landscape operative is to design, develop and maintain green spaces. Professionals in this broad occupation typically specialise in grounds maintenance, known as soft-landscape, or landscape construction, known as hard-landscape. Soft- landscaping is the maintenance of plants and cultivated areas, while hard-landscaping is the establishment of hard surfaces and structures.
Gardening apprentices will be given the opportunity to specialise in either horticulture construction or landscape construction depending on the employer type. The horticulture specialism focuses on plant propagation and plant growth, while the landscape option focuses on the installation of features and structures; application of landscape materials as well as supporting site management.
Work is generally based outdoors throughout the year, so apprentices should expect to work outside in all weathers. You will begin with hands-on experience covering a range of practical tasks, learning specialist skills as you progress. Apprentices will learn how to safely operate specialist hand tools and machinery to perform daily tasks efficiently and with ease. You may work in public parks and gardens, green spaces and historic gardens, private gardens and estates or production nurseries.
Careers and jobs associated
- Hard-landscaper
- Soft-landscaper
If you would like to find out more about this apprenticeship standard, including possible duties of the role, skills and assessment method visit the Institute for Apprenticeships.
