Free Level 2 Horticulture Course in Wakefield. Classes run full-time during the day at Wakefield College. The course is free if you are 16 to 18 years old. If you are 19 or over, fees may apply. This level 2 horticulture qualification covers plant cultivation, garden design, planting, and growing from seed and cuttings. You will study across specialisms including landscaping, nursery production, and public gardens. The course takes one year full-time. Entry requires five GCSEs at grade 3 or above, or a Level 1 Horticulture qualification.
Who this course is for
Horticulture is all about growing plants and working with nature. You’ll learn how to plan and design gardens, prepare the ground, plant seeds and cuttings, and care for plants as they grow. People who work in horticulture often work outdoors and use creativity and practical skills in places like garden centres, plant nurseries, landscaping jobs, farms, and public or historic gardens.
There is currently a high demand for skilled workers in horticulture, which means this course can lead to good future job opportunities.
What You’ll Be Doing
For around two days each week, you’ll focus on practical, hands-on learning. You’ll build your skills by helping to develop and look after the college grounds, using professional tools and techniques. You’ll work as part of a team, helping you grow your confidence, teamwork, and communication skills.
Alongside this, you’ll learn the theory behind horticulture so you understand why things are done a certain way and can put this knowledge into practice. You’ll also develop your maths and English skills, taught by specialist staff, to support your learning and future career.
Work Experience
You’ll also have the opportunity to take part in a work experience placement to gain real-world experience in the horticulture industry.
Entry requirements
5 GCSEs at Grade 9-3.
OR
Level 1 Horticulture qualification.
What you will learn
You'll develop skills in plant cultivation, including growing from seed and cuttings.
You'll learn how to design and prepare planting schemes.
You'll study the science behind plant growth and development.
You'll explore landscaping and garden maintenance techniques.
You'll gain knowledge of nursery production and garden centre operations.
You'll learn about crop production and its practical applications.
You'll understand how to work in public and heritage garden settings.
How you will learn
You will learn through classroom-based sessions and practical, hands-on work in outdoor settings. Assessment is through a combination of practical tasks, observations, and written assignments. You will build a portfolio of evidence as you progress through the course. Wakefield College will confirm the specific assessment schedule before you start.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Wakefield College will confirm anything else you need before you start. Additional costs may apply for materials, equipment, visits, and residentials.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Gardener: maintaining private or public gardens and green spaces.
Groundskeeper: caring for sports grounds, parks, or estates.
Nursery worker: propagating and growing plants for sale.
Landscape operative: preparing and planting outdoor spaces.
Garden centre assistant: advising customers and managing plant stock.
Parks and grounds maintenance operative: working for local councils or trusts.
Heritage garden worker: maintaining historic or National Trust gardens.
What you could study next
Level 3 Diploma in Horticulture: deepen your plant science and management knowledge, and move toward supervisory roles.
Level 3 Extended Diploma in Horticulture: a broader qualification suited to those aiming for higher-level or specialist roles.
Horticulture apprenticeship: combine work and study to gain on-the-job experience alongside a formal qualification.
