Free or reduced fees may be available, depending on your circumstances. East Durham College lists a fee of £746 if you're not eligible. Contact East Durham College for more info.
Level 1 Land Based Operations Course in Durham. Classes run at East Durham College Houghall Campus, full-time during the day over 36 weeks. The course is free if you're 16 to 18 years old. If you're 19 or over, fees may apply depending on your circumstances. This land based operations qualification covers the employment skills needed across most land based businesses, from working with plants to working with animals. You'll build practical knowledge to meet the needs of industry. No formal qualifications are needed to start.
Who this course is for
A general land based course teaching employment skills to meet the needs of industry within most land based businesses.
Entry requirements
No formal entry qualifications. Basic numerical and literacy skills at Entry Level 3 and enthusiasm for working with plants and animals
What you will learn
You'll develop practical skills for working in land based businesses, including horticulture and animal care.
You'll learn how to carry out everyday tasks safely in outdoor and land based environments.
You'll understand the basic needs of plants and animals in a working setting.
You'll practise the employment skills that land based employers look for.
You'll gain an introduction to the range of roles within the land based sector.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom sessions and practical, hands-on activities at Houghall Campus. Assessment is work-based and practical, reflecting the tasks you'd carry out in a real land based job. Your progress is assessed through observation of practical skills and short written tasks. The centre will confirm the full assessment details before you start.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. East Durham College Houghall Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Groundskeeper, maintaining parks, sports pitches, or estate grounds
Horticulture worker, growing and tending plants in nurseries or gardens
Farm worker, supporting livestock or crop production on a farm
Garden centre assistant, advising customers and caring for stock
Countryside ranger assistant, supporting conservation and land management
Landscaping labourer, preparing and planting outdoor spaces
Animal care assistant, supporting the daily care of animals
What you could study next
Level 2 Certificate in Land-based Studies: broadens your knowledge across horticulture, agriculture, and animal care.
Level 2 Diploma in Work-based Horticulture: a deeper route if you want to specialise in plants and growing.
Level 2 Award in Safe Use of Pesticides: a short qualification useful for many land based roles.
Level 2 Diploma in Animal Care: a next step if working with animals is your focus.
