Production Horticulture
Horticulture businesses need employees who can combine technical knowledge with practical skills. There are a range of courses available that will help you achieve the skills and knowledge you need to work at different levels in production horticulture.
Work-based or vocational training
These qualifications combine practical work-based experience with classroom-based training. Some enable you to earn while you learn! They will give you the skills and knowledge you need to do a job effectively and show that you can actually do it - not simply that you know how to do it in theory. They include:
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are government backed training schemes aimed primarily at people aged between 16-24, although funding is available for those over the age of 24 in some regions. They enable you to learn practical skills and achieve nationally recognised qualifications, including a relevant NVQ and technical certificate. You will spend part of your time ‘on-the-job’ getting real experience and some of your time in college learning the theory you need to know. You also have the opportunity to earn a wage while you learn!
NVQs/SVQs
NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications) and SVQs (Scottish Vocational Qualifications) are also work-related qualifications that enable you to gain the skills and knowledge you needed to do a job. You can do an NVQ or SVQ at different levels, depending on your ability and what sort of job you want to do. These qualifications are based on national standards agreed by the horticulture industry, so they are recognised by employers throughout the UK. You could consider:
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NVQ/SVQ in Horticulture Level 1 (equivalent to GCSEs or a Standard Grade General)
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NVQ/SVQ in Production Horticulture at Levels 2 and 3 (Level 2 is equivalent GCSEs, a Standard Grade Credit, a First Diploma or a National Certificate. Level 3 is equivalent to A-levels, an Advanced Higher, a National Diploma or a National Certificate)
Further and higher education
If you would rather do a college or university-based course to give you the skills and knowledge you need, there are also lots of options available to you at different levels depending on your abilities and your aspirations. They include:
Foundation degrees
Foundation degrees are a new employment-related higher education qualification designed to equip you with the higher-level skills that employers are crying out for. They are validated by universities and are a degree in their own right. Once completed, the foundation degree will provide a stepping stone to a full honours degree should you wish to continue with higher education. With no nationally set entry requirements, foundation degrees are open to anyone with the right ability. Offered on both a full-time and part-time basis, accessibility is a key point of the foundation degrees, with learning in the workplace forming a major part of the qualification.
You may also consider:
Technical and professional qualifications
Once you are working in the horticulture industry, if you want to improve your skills and knowledge in a specific area, you could do additional technical courses and professional qualifications. These could include:
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RHS General Examination in Horticulture
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RHS Advanced Certificate in Horticulture
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RHS Master of Horticulture
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RHS Diploma in Horticulture
What can I aspire to?
There are many ways to enter a career in the horticulture industry. If you have no formal qualifications but can demonstrate your enthusiasm for working with plants, there are opportunities for you.
There is a need for qualified and able managers in all areas within the production horticulture industry.