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School Leavers > Horticulture > Horticulture Technical Diploma – Level 3

Horticulture Technical Diploma – Level 3

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Hortic 730x425
Courses Code
QF3HO1080
Study method
Full Time
Location(s)
Rodbaston
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  • Is this course for you?

    The horticulture industry is more varied and exciting than many people realise.

    If you have a passion for all things green and growing then this course is for you. It doesn’t stop there as the range of possibilities for employment is great from estate work, production, garden design, self employment, glasshouse and field scale operations.

    Horticulture offers many ways of engaging with the natural world from growing food for the nation to creating and maintaining beautiful formal gardens and everything in between!

    Rodbaston College has purpose built horticultural classrooms, extensive glasshouse systems, gardens and a wide range of additional habitats such as woodland, lakes and wildflower areas. This makes learning more varied and interesting as there is no need to be stuck in a classroom.

  • Required qualifications

    To study at level 3 you must have at least 4 GCSE’s graded 4 or above, or equivalent previous qualifications.

  • What skills will I develop?

    This career pathway increases your practical ability to progress and be effective in the horticultural sector. This includes use and maintenance of machinery such as strimmer’s and mowers and power tools such as hedge cutters. It also includes the use and selection of hand tools involved with the growing and maintaining of plants – as well as wider aspects of estate and garden maintenance, underpinned by the science and philosophy of modern horticulture.

    At all times the health and safety of students must be taken into consideration. As this is an underpinning philosophy throughout the course, you will be able to effectively carryout risk assessments.

    An in depth knowledge of plant types and identification will be developed, including the nutritional requirements, maintenance of different species and there integration into a landscape. Different aspects of horticulture production from planting through to harvesting will be covered (always backed by sound scientific principles), also the theory and practical application of estate and formal garden design, construction and on-going care.

    Skills that help protect the environment will also be integral to this industry choice, along with the laying out of more formal displays and how individual species can be protected and kept in optimum health.

  • Careers

    This horticulture course can lead to a career areas such as:

    • Horticultural Technician
    • Plant Care Worker
    • Nursery Operative
    • Landscape Designer
    • Inspector
    • Consultant
    • Small Business Owner
    • Gardener
    • Grower
    • Grounds Maintenance

  • Work experience

    This course requires you to undertake a minimum of 150 hours (around 20 working days) of relevant work experience. You do not have to have secured a placement to start the course but a good idea of where they would like to go would be an advantage.

    Industry experience is designed to further develop and enhance skills being taught during vocational sessions and is an important part of the study program.

  • English and maths

    If you are aged 16-18 and are yet to gain a 4 or above in maths and English then the college will help you achieve this as part of your study programme. If you are 19+ and are looking to improve your maths & English then these subjects can form part of the course. The benefits of improving your skills in these qualifications are not to be underestimated and can lead to better employment prospects and higher earning potential in your chosen career.

  • Other important information

    No specific uniform is required for the course, however a good set of overalls and steel toe-cap work boots are a must!

  • Is this course for you?

    The horticulture industry is more varied and exciting than many people realise.

    If you have a passion for all things green and growing then this course is for you. It doesn’t stop there as the range of possibilities for employment is great from estate work, production, garden design, self employment, glasshouse and field scale operations.

    Horticulture offers many ways of engaging with the natural world from growing food for the nation to creating and maintaining beautiful formal gardens and everything in between!

    Rodbaston College has purpose built horticultural classrooms, extensive glasshouse systems, gardens and a wide range of additional habitats such as woodland, lakes and wildflower areas. This makes learning more varied and interesting as there is no need to be stuck in a classroom.

  • Required qualifications

    To study at level 3 you must have at least 4 GCSE’s graded 4 or above, or equivalent previous qualifications.

  • What skills will I develop?

    This career pathway increases your practical ability to progress and be effective in the horticultural sector. This includes use and maintenance of machinery such as strimmer’s and mowers and power tools such as hedge cutters. It also includes the use and selection of hand tools involved with the growing and maintaining of plants – as well as wider aspects of estate and garden maintenance, underpinned by the science and philosophy of modern horticulture.

    At all times the health and safety of students must be taken into consideration. As this is an underpinning philosophy throughout the course, you will be able to effectively carryout risk assessments.

    An in depth knowledge of plant types and identification will be developed, including the nutritional requirements, maintenance of different species and there integration into a landscape. Different aspects of horticulture production from planting through to harvesting will be covered (always backed by sound scientific principles), also the theory and practical application of estate and formal garden design, construction and on-going care.

    Skills that help protect the environment will also be integral to this industry choice, along with the laying out of more formal displays and how individual species can be protected and kept in optimum health.

  • Careers

    This horticulture course can lead to a career areas such as:

    • Horticultural Technician
    • Plant Care Worker
    • Nursery Operative
    • Landscape Designer
    • Inspector
    • Consultant
    • Small Business Owner
    • Gardener
    • Grower
    • Grounds Maintenance

  • Work experience

    This course requires you to undertake a minimum of 150 hours (around 20 working days) of relevant work experience. You do not have to have secured a placement to start the course but a good idea of where they would like to go would be an advantage.

    Industry experience is designed to further develop and enhance skills being taught during vocational sessions and is an important part of the study program.

  • English and maths

    If you are aged 16-18 and are yet to gain a 4 or above in maths and English then the college will help you achieve this as part of your study programme. If you are 19+ and are looking to improve your maths & English then these subjects can form part of the course. The benefits of improving your skills in these qualifications are not to be underestimated and can lead to better employment prospects and higher earning potential in your chosen career.

  • Other important information

    No specific uniform is required for the course, however a good set of overalls and steel toe-cap work boots are a must!

Will Lee Horticulture Level 3 380x380

"I am retraining after deciding to change career path and have received lots of help from the lecturers. I'm excited to see where Horticulture can lead me, as there is multiple pathways, and I hope to progress and teach it in the future"

Will Lee

Level 3 Horticulture Student

Grace Winnington Horticulture Level 3 380x380

"I am currently studying Horticulture level 3 and I have been supported and encouraged by my course leaders. I am confident and prepared to go into a career in Horticulture"

Grace Winnington

Level 3 Horticulture Student

Dan Evans

“Studying at level 3 gave me the skills and industry experience I needed to get my start in a career I wanted. The mix of theory and practical means you get the best of both worlds”

Dan Evans

Level 3 Horticulture Student

Nicola Davies Horticulture Tutor

"Having recently joined the Horticulture department here at Rodbaston College, I am passionate about helping the next generation of students to learn and gain valuable skills for an industry that is in need of knowledgeable and skilled workers"

Nicola Davies

Horticulture Lecturer

Apply for a course

  • Horticulture Technical Extended Diploma in Horticulture L3 (1080) Yr 1 of 2 (FCFJ)

    Rodbaston College

    Start Date: September

    Code: QRF3HO1080-Y1

    Full Time: 35 Weeks

    Day(s): Usually 3-4 days per week

    Apply
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