Horticulture and Landscape Operative Apprenticeship – Level 2

Course content

The apprentice can follow either the horticulture or landscape route. The horticulture option focuses on plant propagation and plant growth. The landscape construction option focuses on the installation of features and structures; application of landscape materials as well as supporting site management.

Alongside the knowledge, skills and behaviours the apprentice will also study Emergency First Aid and Pesticide Spraying.

Course assessment

The apprentice will attend college one day a week.

They will also be required to achieve level 1 English and Maths (GCSE Grade 3 or D) and take the test for level 2 English and Maths prior to taking the end-point assessment.

Benefits to employers

Hiring an apprentice is a productive and effective way for any organisation to grow talent and develop a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce. Hiring an apprentice can help you improve productivity and reduce staff turnover.

There’s a wide selection of apprenticeships available, covering lots of different job roles to help you choose a qualification that quits your business needs. This helps you match the skills of the employees to the skills that you need.

Fees

If you have less than 50 staff and the apprentice is between 16-18 then the apprenticeship will be fully funded, you will only need to pay for the apprentice’s wages. If you choose to recruit an apprentice who is 19 or above you will be required to pay 5% of the cost of the apprenticeship (the government will fund 95%)

If you are a large employer with 50+ staff you will be required to fund 5% of the apprenticeships costs regardless of the age of the learner.

Employers with a wage bill of over £3 million will pay the cost of the apprenticeship through the apprenticeship levy.

Benefits to apprentices

As an apprentice you will work alongside experienced, skilled staff, you will gain job-specific skills and training, you will earn a wage and get holiday pay whilst you train.

The Government is committed to ensuring that everyone is able to benefit from the life changing opportunities of an apprenticeship. Apprenticeships are opening the door to professions that used to only be an option for people with a traditional degree.

Apprenticeships are more than just another way to gain a qualification and can give you the skills you need to progress your career.