gardening/grounds maintenance qualifications

[RexPayne]

Hi guys,

Started off doing tree work full time, but took a job on the books with a property management company about 18 months ago. I manage a small team - We do garden maintenance/grounds maintenance/tree work for holiday homes/hotels etc. Hold Nptc chainsaw and climbing qualifications, but been asked to have a think about what gardening/grounds tickets/qualifications I would like the company to put me through this year. Keen to add another few strings to my bow for when I'm too old to climb. Also the company looks better if I had some formal qualifications (eg RHS). Should add that I have quite a bit of experience gardening but no formal training. Can anyone give me some suggestions? Cheers. Rex

[stihlmadasever]

PA1 &PA6 (Pesticide application)would be the first ones id be advising my staff to get for gardening and grounds maintenance.You could also look at a day release to college to get level 3 horticulture.

[RexPayne]

Thanks. Will look into level 3 course

[Goaty]

For your own sanity sake make sure you go to a decent college. Some are now running the course for the sake of it . It's a sham. Still gift you the qualification. But demoralising enduring the course.

[RexPayne]

Has anyone had experience of doing a similar course while working full time? Any idea of the costs involved?

[stihlmadasever]

Has anyone had experience of doing a similar course while working full time? Any idea of the costs involved?

 

I havent done level 3 arb but i know loads who have,its a decent course and industry recognised.

Im pretty sure its available as an online course as long as you have an employer who will allow you too do the practical work in your work enviroment.

College attendance is only one day a week if you chose to go down that path.Costs would vary from colleges in different areas,remember you would qualify for an ILA

(Independant learning award)which is up too £200 per year.

Edited August 21, 2016 by stihlmadasever

[Stuart Phillips]

The new trailblazer apprenticeships in arb and horticulture will be available in 2017. Ignoring the usual assumption that they are only for 16-17 year olds, they may offer a route for you as you are already gainfully employed. Both will be offered at Level 2, but the hortic team are also developing a level 3 route.