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Free Level 1 Horticulture Course in London

CostFREE
Duration12 months
LevelLevel 1
DeliveryClassroom based
StartFlexible
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyCity & Guilds awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Level 1 Horticulture Course in London. Classes run at Harington Training Centre, full-time during the day. The course runs over 12 months and covers practical gardening skills across a range of outdoor environments, including a formal garden, vegetable plots, and a conservation area. You'll also develop transferable skills that are useful across many types of work. The course is open to people aged 16 to 24 years old with an interest in horticulture.

Who this course is for

Harington is a specialist college based in North London, providing individualised and flexible study programmes for young people with disabilities and learning differences. The horticulture pathway is great if you like working outdoors and are interested in becoming a gardener. Yet, the skills you will learn can be used in any job. We have a large site where you will learn and practise gardening skills and our own gardening company that employs some of our students. We have qualifications available from Entry 1 up to Level 2.

Entry requirements

For students aged 16-24 years with an interest in studying Horticulture.

What you will learn

  • You'll practise core gardening techniques including planting, pruning, and maintaining outdoor spaces.
  • You'll learn how to work safely in a horticultural environment.
  • You'll develop skills in growing vegetables and managing cultivated plots.
  • You'll gain experience in conservation and natural environment management.
  • You'll build transferable skills in communication, teamwork, and working to a schedule.
  • You'll get support with reading, writing, and maths as part of your programme.

How you will learn

You'll learn through hands-on practical work in the outdoor gardens and growing areas at the centre. Training is classroom based and delivered full-time, typically four days per week. Assessment is practical and skills based, reflecting the City and Guilds Award in Practical Horticulture Skills. You may also complete work experience placements as part of your programme.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Harington Training Centre will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Gardener. Maintain gardens, parks, and green spaces.
  • Grounds maintenance operative. Care for sports grounds and public areas.
  • Nursery worker. Grow and tend plants in a commercial nursery.
  • Landscape labourer. Support landscaping and planting projects.
  • Horticulture assistant. Help manage growing areas on estates or farms.

What you could study next

After this level 1 horticulture qualification, you could move on to a Level 2 Award or Certificate in Horticulture to deepen your practical knowledge. A Level 2 qualification in land-based studies or horticulture is a common next step for those aiming to work as a gardener or in grounds maintenance. You could also look at Functional Skills qualifications in English and maths to support further training or employment.

Apply on harington.org.uk →
Apply now →

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