Free Level 1 Horticulture Course in Wakefield

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 1
DeliveryClassroom based
Start30 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyCity & Guilds awarding body

About this course

Free Level 1 Horticulture Course in Wakefield. Classes run at Wakefield College, full-time during the day. The course is free if you are 16 to 18 years old. You will need three GCSEs at grade 1 to 9 to apply. Over one year, you will study plant cultivation, garden design, and growing techniques. Horticulturists work across nurseries, garden centres, landscaping, and public gardens. This level 1 horticulture qualification covers the practical skills employers in the sector are looking for.

Who this course is for

Horticulture is all about growing plants and working outdoors. You’ll learn how to design and care for gardens, grow plants from seeds and cuttings, and look after different green spaces. People who work in horticulture use creativity and practical skills in places like garden centres, plant nurseries, landscaping businesses, farms, and public or historic gardens. There is a growing need for skilled people in horticulture, which means this course can lead to exciting job opportunities in the future. How You Will Learn You’ll learn by doing. Most of your time will be spent in realistic horticulture spaces, including:

Gardens and flower beds Polytunnels Planting containers Lawns and outdoor areas

You’ll work as part of a team to build your skills and confidence, just like in a real job. Classroom lessons will help you understand the science and theory behind what you are doing and prepare you for assessments. During the year, you’ll also take part in trips and visits to see horticulture in action. Work Experience Please note: There will be opportunities to take part in work placements to help you gain real-world experience.

Entry requirements

3 GCSE's at Grade 9-1.

What you will learn

  • You'll learn how to grow plants from seed and cuttings.
  • You'll develop skills in garden design and planting.
  • You'll study the science behind plant cultivation.
  • You'll practise preparing and maintaining outdoor growing spaces.
  • You'll explore specialist areas including nursery production, landscaping, and crop production.
  • You'll build knowledge of working in public and heritage gardens.

How you will learn

You will learn through practical, hands-on sessions in the classroom and outdoor growing environments. Assessment is based on practical tasks and assignments that test your skills and knowledge across the units covered. Your tutor will assess your work throughout the course rather than through a single end exam.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Wakefield College will confirm anything else you need before you start. The cost description notes that materials, equipment, visits, and residentials may carry additional costs payable by students.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Gardener: maintaining private or public gardens and green spaces.
  • Groundsperson: caring for sports pitches, parks, and estates.
  • Nursery worker: growing and selling plants in a commercial nursery.
  • Garden centre assistant: advising customers and managing plant stock.
  • Landscape operative: preparing and planting outdoor landscaping projects.
  • Horticultural technician: supporting crop production or specialist growing operations.

What you could study next

  • Level 2 Diploma in Horticulture: the natural next step, covering more advanced plant knowledge and practical skills.
  • Level 2 Diploma in Landscaping: if you want to focus on garden design and outdoor construction.
  • Level 3 Diploma in Horticulture: for those aiming toward supervisory or specialist roles in the sector.
  • Level 2 Functional Skills in English or Maths: useful alongside any of the above if you want to strengthen your core skills.

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