Horticultural training
We offer the City & Guilds Award, Certificate or Diploma in Horticulture (Work-Based), Levels 1 & 2.
You gain extensive practical experience and a City and Guilds Diploma in Work Based Horticulture either Levels 1 or 2.
The level 1 course runs over 13 weeks Monday to Thursday, 9am to 4pm. The level 2 course is double the amount of time ie six months.
The level 1 course is aimed at the long term unemployed, those who face mental health problems and/or other barriers such as criminal records, homelessness or literacy problems.
We have recently received funding from the Ecominds grants scheme to run level 1 training for up to 20 volunteers. This has funded our new 'Growing Skills Training Project', involving people with direct experience of mental distress, teaching them new skills and helping to reduce the stigma associated with mental distress. Ecominds is managed by Mind as an award partner of the Big Lottery Fund 'Changing Spaces'. To find out more visit www.ecominds.org.uk.
The level 2 course takes six months and is aimed at those who are closer to the job market and who would most benefit from work experience and accreditation to add to their CVs. Both courses are based at our training centre in the heart of London, Tower Hamlets’ award winning King Edward Memorial Park, E1.
One day a week you work with our tutor on formal training in the classroom, and the other three days are spent gaining practical work experience with our staff.
We provide safety boots, gloves and waterproofs, as well as support in looking for work or further training.
While training with us you learn how to:
- grow plants from seeds and cuttings;
- plant trees of various sizes and care for them afterwards;
- plant and maintain seasonal bedding;
- take care of grass areas and lawns;
- use and maintain all the relevant tools and equipment;
- do a bit of hard landscaping;
- as well as looking at health and safety in the workplace
During the course, candidates have the opportunity to gain practical work experience by spending three days each week on Trees for Cities' project sites across London, together with one day of formal training at the Tower Hamlets park.
You can start immediately after a short introductory meeting, and all safety equipment and protective clothing will be supplied. The training makes a valuable contribution towards improving the living space for all Londoners, and results in promising job opportunities across the capital.
The course is free to individuals but depends on various funding streams. Taking part will not affect your benefits.
Our projects are supported by the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund, www.hlf.org.uk.
If you wish to discuss this course in further detail, please email Emma Holland, Training Manager, or call 020 7840 5957.
