Course modules
Year 1
Safe and Effective Working Practice in the Land-based Industry
This unit is concerned with learners following the correct procedures outlined by the employer, recommended codes of practice and current legislation. Reporting procedures and the correct use of PPE
Develop Performance in Land-based Industries
This unit enables the learner to gain experience of working as an effective team member. It also provides the learner with the opportunity to work alone, developing personal skills and performance.
Industrial Experience in Land Based Industries
This unit enables learners to gain experience of working within a realistic working environment in industry or at College, under supervision. It also provides learners with the opportunity to develop important personal skills and apply health and safety principles in the workplace.
Countryside Structures
This unit introduces the learner to the practical activities involved in the maintenance and repair of boundary fences and access points. It also encourages learners to consider the implications for wildlife of the tasks they are undertaking.
Wildlife and Conservation
This unit provides an introduction to the interactions between plants and animals. It encourages learners to recognise the interdependence of different species and to look for the main characteristics of different types of habitat.
Establish Plants and Sites
This unit introduces learners to the practical activities involved in preparing a site for the establishment of plants, in the actual planting and in ensuring the new plants are afforded some protection. It also encourages learners to be aware of what they are planting and why. Plants may include seeds, seedlings, transplants or nursery stock.
Maintain Plants and Sites
This unit involves learners in the after care of plants including the management of regeneration. It includes the basic management of trees and woodlands as well as herbaceous plants and grassland maintenance
Entry requirements & additional information
Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements necessary, all that you need is a love of working outdoors in all weathers, a passion for the environment and to learn new skills to develop yourself. There will be an online test for one of the units so an ability to work a computer is desirable. You may also be asked to complete some homework using a computer, so a basic knowledge of Word or other presentation software is also desirable.
Learning and assessment
With the exception of one unit {Safe and Effective Working Practice}, all other units are internally assessed whereby you will demonstrate your practical ability and be able to apply your knowledge by answering questions relating to your practical tasks. Safe and Effective Working Practice will be assessed externally by City & Guilds; this will be in the form of a ‘online’ test.
Progression
There is scope to progress onto our Level 2 Arboriculture or Horticulture if you show commitment to your English and Maths study, and demonstrate that you are working towards Level 1 Functional Skills with a view to continue to standard GCSE.
Careers
The course can lead to numerous employment opportunities including:
Assistant Ranger
Assistant Conservation Officer
Special requirements
Costs that are mandatory for the course:
Steel toe-capped boots with good grip and ankle support – approx. £25
Outdoor Clothing and waterproofs and good pair of gardening gloves – approx. £30
Work experience
There are plenty of opportunities to carry out internal and/or external work experience within the content of this course. Students who have an interest in progressing onto arboriculture on successful completion of the course will be given the opportunity to gain basic climbing skills as part of their enrichment activities.