Horticulture Or Landscape Construction Operate Apprenticeship
Do you love nature and the great outdoors? Then our level 2 Horticulture or Landscape construction apprenticeship could be the path for you! This hands-on role will have you experiencing high demands working with nature and landscape construction, but all with a rewarding outcome.
Occupational Profile Of A Level 2 Horticulture Or Landscape Construction Operate Apprentice
What Are The Roles Of The Job?
In this apprenticeship, you will be working in a range of outdoor spaces and in all weather conditions throughout the year. Occasionally, they will even be working at heights, pruning hedges and cutting trees. The working environment you can be expected to work in may consist of, historical parks, community parks, private gardens and schools. Some may even find themselves working in organisational-owned parks such as those owned by National Trust.
Horticulture or landscape construction operators’ main purpose is to take steps in order to create or maintain horticultural spaces such as those listed above. The different skill sets needed for both of these mean it opens up two pathways in the apprenticeship, horticulture or landscaping. In the Horticulture apprenticeship, you will learn to work with soft landscape materials such as planting trees, sewing seeds, and maintaining plants and shrubs. Where as within the Landscaping apprenticeship you will learn how to maintain hard surfaces such as structural remains, features, surfaces and pathways.
Different Duties Of Horticulture vs Landscape Construction
Duties in a Level 2 Horticulture Apprenticeship
- Prepare plants through propagation
- Take care of ornamental grounds
- Take care of Trees, Plants, and Annual displays
Duties In A Level 2 Landscape Construction Apprenticeship
- Preparing a site for construction work
- Using hard materials for things such as patios, paths and driveways
- Observing and repairing structures
What Skills Will I Learn Throughout This Apprenticeship?
Apprentices will learn how to apply practical and professional skills such as:
- The importance of health and safety legislation laws in the working environment.
- How to use relevant tools and machinery in different areas of your apprenticeship.
- Learn how the environment may impact plant growth and why.
- Soil science – including soil formation, the different textures and components, and how they impact plant growth.
- Record keeping both digital and written.
- Communication skills – such as communicating with supervisor, colleagues and the general public.
- Complying with regulations such as biosecurity and invasive species legislation, industry guidance and organisational policies.
- Learning how to handle situations where special care should be taken including where heritage, environmental or planning designations may be present.
- Preparing site for planting, and providing appropriate care to plants during this process and directly after.
- Learn how to handle soft landscape material and hard surfaces.
The Rewarding And Challenging Aspects Of The Job
Landscape and horticulture apprentice jobs can be hard work, including heavy lifting, working in different weather conditions, being accountable for health and safety, equipment and more. However, this role will also give you the opportunity to work on beautiful and historic sites, and the hard work you put in will be instantly gratifying and will continue to grow and reward. Some of the rewarding aspects of the job include maintaining spaces to be beautiful and green, preserving history for future generations, protecting wildlife and nature all while learning specialist skills
Qualifications You Need To Complete Level 2 Horticulture Or Landscape Apprenticeship
Apprentices are expected to have their Maths and English, if Apprentice does not have this then this needs to be completed before they can pass through an end-point assessment.
Apprentices are also expected to have these additional mandatory qualifications:
- (Core) Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work (Ofqual registered) minimum 1-day course
- (Horticulture Apprenticeship) Lantra Awards Level 2 Award in the Safe Application of Pesticide Using Hand Held Equipment OR City and Guilds Level 2 Award In The Safe Application of Pesticides Using Pedestrian Hand-Held Equipment
- (Landscaping Construction Apprenticeship) City and Guilds NPTC Level 2 Certificate of Competence in the Safe Use of Abrasive Wheel Machines or Lantra Abrasive Wheel Machines Course
You will be awarded these qualifications for both pathways at the end of your apprenticeship course along with your apprenticeship certificate.
Why Should I Go For It?
If you have a genuine love for nature, the great outdoors and are interested in what you just read, then the Level 2 Horticulture or Landscape Construction Operative is the apprenticeship for you. This apprenticeship is an excellent stepping stone for anyone wanting a career in horticulture or landscape construction. You will learn plenty of practical and professional skills along the way. Don’t just take my word for it, here’s what a previous apprentice George has to say. So what are you waiting for? Sign up today!
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