Horticulture

Do you like the idea of working outside? There are lots of different career options in horticulture ie, gardening, soft landscaping, tree surgery or garden centres. These areas create many economic, environmental and social benefits, employing large numbers of people. Our horticulture course will provide you with a great learning experience, largely due to our partnership with the Dean Estate in Kilmarnock. Much of our outdoor learning takes place within the estate, providing a realistic setting, as well as the opportunity for you to work on real projects.

If you’re thinking about a career in horticulture, this course is a great place to start.

For entry to this course you’ll need:

• A real interest in working in an outside environment
• Three National 3s or equivalent OR have relevant experience
• An interview with us

If you don’t have any formal qualifications, but have life experience, then we’ll also consider you for a place, so please call us for a chat.

This course gives you a great introduction to working horticulture. It’s mainly practical, with just a small amount of theory. Most of the time you’ll be based at our facilities at the Dean Estate. You’ll be outside in all weather, so pack your boots (and your lunch!) and experience the good, healthy feeling you get from hand-on gardening activities.

Here’s just some of what you’ll be doing:

• You’ll develop gardening skills such as, grass and plant maintenance
• You’ll learn gardening techniques such as how to carry out a range of maintenance tasks, including the safe use of hand tools, planting up containers and plant propagation
• You’ll also focus on specific environmental areas and learn how to correctly identify trees, plants and wildlife
• You’ll develop skills in ‘soft’ landscaping such as planting, weeding and pruning

You’ll also have the opportunity to:

• Go on work experience placements, such as at the Dean Estate, a local employer or plant nursery
• Learn how to grow vegetables and plants

You’ll build transferable Essential Skills in meaningful contexts to help you become more effective in life, learning, and work. This could be communication, numeracy, ICT, working with others, and problem solving.

When you successfully complete this course, you may have the choice of:

• Moving onto a Level 5 course such as the City and Guilds Certificate in Horticulture at Level 2 [SCQF Level 5]
• Seeking to start your career in horticulture with employment/Modern Apprenticeship in horticulture, landscaping or an estate maintenance worker
• Progress onto a tree surgery course