Free Level 1 Horticulture Course in Ely. Classes run at Ely Community Centre, part-time during the day. You'll have a short initial assessment before you start, so the course can be tailored to where you are now. Over 4 months, you'll build practical gardening and horticultural skills alongside transferable employability skills useful across the sector. The course runs at a manageable pace, making it practical for anyone fitting study around other commitments.
Who this course is for
Our Horticulture Level 1 course is an accredited program specifically designed to provide you with the fundamental skills and knowledge necessary for success in the Gardening and Horticulture sector. Building upon your existing gardening and horticultural abilities gained from the introduction to horticulture course, this qualification will equip you with essential underpinning knowledge and skills specific to the sector, as well as a range of transferable employability skills. By undertaking this course, you will not only enhance your gardening expertise, but also lay a solid foundation for further learning and future employment opportunities within the land-based or related sectors.
Entry requirements
Prior to starting the course, you will be required to complete a brief initial assessment. This will help us understand your current starting point and allow us to tailor the course to meet your specific needs
What you will learn
You'll develop practical skills used in everyday gardening and horticulture work.
You'll learn how to care for plants, soil, and growing environments.
You'll understand the tools and equipment used in horticulture and how to use them safely.
You'll explore the key principles behind plant growth and cultivation.
You'll build employability skills relevant to working in the horticulture sector.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at Ely Community Centre. Teaching combines practical skill-building with underpinning knowledge of the horticulture sector. Assessment is carried out as part of the course, and your initial assessment at the start helps shape how the course is delivered to suit your needs.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Ely Community Centre will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Gardener. Grounds maintenance, parks, or private gardens.
Grounds maintenance operative. Keeping outdoor spaces tidy and well-kept.
Garden centre assistant. Advising customers and caring for plants.
Horticultural labourer. Supporting landscaping and planting projects.
Nursery worker (plants). Propagating and growing plants commercially.
What you could study next
Level 2 Award or Certificate in Horticulture. Builds on Level 1 skills and takes you deeper into plant care, landscaping, and sector knowledge.
Level 2 Certificate in Practical Horticulture Skills (City and Guilds). A natural next step if you want to strengthen your horticulture qualification for employment.
Level 3 Diploma in Horticulture. For those aiming toward supervisory or specialist roles in the sector.
