Production Horticulture Apprenticeship
Introduction to the trade
This apprenticeship is ideal for people who have an interest and aptitude for work on a farm or holding producing top fruit or soft fruit. Production Horticulture is made up of small and medium-sized enterprises, many of which are family run. This typically included businesses producing fruit, vegetables, protected crops, plants, flowers and bulbs, nursery stock and trees.
This apprenticeship aims to encourage young learners in to the horticulture industry, which has traditionally comprised mainly an aging workforce, by offering progression opportunities to ensure the future of the skills and knowledge within the industry.
In recent years large areas of Herefordshire and Worcestershire have been planted up with top fruit and soft fruit. This has been reflected in demand from employers for staff who are trained in this specialised area. The College has developed this apprenticeship to suit the needs of the industry, so training is delivered as block release. This means the apprentice will spend a minimal amount of time at College with the majority of the training delivered on-the-job or as farm based technical training days.
Apprenticeships are a well respected and recommended route into this sector. Read on to find out more...
What qualifications will I gain?
There are two levels of apprenticeship available, the Intermediate Level 2 and the Advanced Level 3. You would start with the Intermediate apprenticeship which takes 2 years to complete and can then progress to the Level 3 if you wish.
Intermediate Apprenticeship (Level 2)
- Level 2 Work-based Diploma in Production Horticulture - This is the Knowledge and competency part of the qualification and essential for you to achieve the full apprenticeship. This part shows that you are competent in performing the skill, trade or occupation your apprenticeship requires.
- Additional employer requirements - additional certificates including Emergency First Aid and a Certificate of Competence in the operation of equipment appropriate to your area of work
- Functional Skills - Providing you with a good level of literacy and numeracy. Level 1 English, and Level 1 maths
Advanced Apprentice (Level 3)
- Level 3 Work-based Diploma in Production Horticulture - This is the knowledge and competency part of the qualification and essential for you to achieve the full apprenticeship. This part shows that you are competent in performing the skill, trade or occupation your apprenticeship requires. This can be completed within 12 months.
- Additional employer requirements - additional certificates including Emergency First Aid and a Certificate of Competence in the operation of equipment appropriate to your area of work
- Functional Skills - Level 2 English and Level 2 Maths
How will I be trained?
Training is through block release at College and technical on-farm training days. Apprenticeships are designed with the help of the employers in the industry, so they offer a structured programme that takes you through the skills you need to do a job well. There are targets and checks to make sure that your employer is supporting you and you are making progress.
As an employee you will be in employment for most of your time as most training takes place on- the-job. Off-the-job training takes place at HCT’s Holme Lacy Campus. This is followed up with technical training days that take place on farms across the County. All the things you study at college will be useful in your job and help you succeed in your future career. Your employment will usually be for at least 30 hours per week.
How will I be assessed?
Assessment will take place through practical observations in the work place and theory through a portfolio of evidence.
What are the entry requirements?
Intermediate Apprenticeship: GCSE grade D or above in maths, English and science are desirable in order to cope with the complexities of the course. You need practical skills and should be able to demonstrate a keen interest in Horticulture. Students must be in full time employment working at a holding growing fruit.
Advanced Apprenticeship: GCSE grade A-C in maths, English and science are desirable in order to cope with the complexities of the course. You need practical skills and should be able to demonstrate a keen interest in Horticulture. Students must be in full time employment working at a holding growing fruit.
Competition for places with employers can be fierce, so you will need to show that you are committed, and aware of your responsibilities to both yourself and the company who would employ you. You also need to be happy to work as both part of a team and individually, and be able to use your own initiative.
Key Facts
Campus: Holme Lacy
Minimum Age: 16
Duration: An Apprenticeship will take 2 years and an Advanced Apprenticeship will take an additional 12-18 months.
Typical Employment:
Working at a farm or holding growing top fruit or soft fruit and involving the planting, tending, harvesting and storing of fruit.
Further Study:
Intermediate Apprentices could progress to the Advanced Apprenticeship and from there to Higher Education or into employment.
Contact: 0800 389 9805
busdev@hct.ac.uk
