Entry Level 3 Further Learning and Employment Skills Course in Colchester

CostFREE
Duration5 hours
LevelEntry Level
DeliveryClassroom based
Start10 Sep 2026
Study modePart-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyOpen Awards awarding body

About this course

Entry Level 3 Further Learning and Employment Skills Course in Colchester. Classes run at ACL Colchester, part-time during the day. Funding may be available depending on your circumstances, so fees may or may not apply. The course runs over 5 hours and covers practical skills for working in gardening and horticulture. You'll learn about health and safety, seed sowing, plant propagation, composting, and soil. This entry level further learning and employment skills qualification is a stepping stone toward further study or work in the sector.

Who this course is for

Are you looking to gain employment in gardening and horticulture? This course is designed to help you develop essential practical skills for working in the sector. You will learn about health and safety, seed sowing, plant propagation, composting and soil

What you will learn

  • You'll learn health and safety practices relevant to outdoor and horticultural work.
  • You'll develop skills in seed sowing and plant propagation.
  • You'll learn about composting and soil management.
  • You'll build practical knowledge for working in gardening and horticulture.
  • You'll develop the essential skills needed to move into further learning or employment.

How you will learn

Learning takes place in the classroom at ACL Colchester. You'll take part in practical activities and tutor-led sessions. Assessment is through coursework and observation of your practical skills. There are no written exams.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. ACL Colchester will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Gardener, working in parks, gardens, or private grounds
  • Grounds maintenance operative, maintaining outdoor spaces
  • Horticulture assistant, supporting plant care and growing
  • Support worker, assisting people in community or care settings
  • Caretaker or site assistant, combining outdoor and practical duties

What you could study next

  • Level 1 Award or Certificate in Horticulture: builds on the practical skills covered in this course and takes you closer to skilled gardening work.
  • Level 1 Functional Skills in English or Maths: strengthens your core skills and supports applications for further training or employment.
  • Level 2 Certificate in Horticulture or Amenity Horticulture: the next step toward a career in grounds maintenance or landscape gardening.