Entry requirements & additional information
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for all T Levels will be a minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grade 5 (including Maths, English and Science).
T-Levels are available for 16 to 19-year-old students. They are also available to students up to the age of 24 who have an Education, Health and Care Plan.
Applicants are expected to show a strong commitment to the industry and ideally, have some practical work experience working with animals prior to starting the course.
Learning and assessment
This course is designed for students who wish to develop the core practical skills and knowledge to seek employment in the Animal industry. It will prepare you for entry into a practical employment position within the industry. Alternatively, it provides an ideal progression route to higher education.
Assessment of technical qualifications is a mixture of internal practical assessment of skills conducted by the teaching team, internal written assignments marked by the teaching team, an externally set synoptic examination that combines the knowledge and practical skills of all of the mandatory units, an external online exam that combines the knowledge of all mandatory units, an online health and safety exam and a employer set project. The assessments and exams are spread throughout the two years.
Progression
Upon completing your T level in your Occupational Specialism, you have several options to pursue:
T levels provide the same UCAS points a full A level programme giving you the option of further study in higher education in fields such as landscape architecture, plant sciences, or environmental management.
The technical skills you will acquire also prepare you to enter employment or a higher apprenticeship directly as a skilled horticulturalist, ready to contribute to a wide range of employers including landscaping companies, botanical gardens, nurseries, and more.
Careers
Employment opportunities the horticulture industry are currently very good and the T Level provides the qualification and experience for entry into the industry at an operational level with future prospects for management.
Opportunities include:
Landscape designer – create outdoor spaces that enhance the environment
Plant nursery manager – manage nursery operations, and the production and distribution of a diverse range of plants
Greenhouse technician – Manage greenhouse facilities to cultivate crops efficiently and sustainably
Horticulturalist – work in plant care and management across a range of settings, including parks, estates, and conservation projects.
Work experience
In order to successfully complete your T level qualification, you will need to complete a minimum of 315 hours (45 days or 9 working weeks) of Industry Placement with a maximum of two employers. We will assist you in helping to secure a suitable placement.
T level Industry Placements are expected to provide you with real work experience as part of your wider studies. It should be linked to your main course of study so you can develop up to date technical knowledge, and skills and apply your college learning to real work activities. Your placement should reflect your pathway, and be related to your occupational specialism.
