Qualifications | Nursery, Turf and Gardening
The existing qualifications do not align with the skills required on the job.
The existing Amenity programmes are very management focussed. Significant changes to the programme are currently underway, with a focus on giving students more choice and more focus on botany, and ensuring the qualifications are achievable.
Engagement with the Nursery industry has told us that qualifications with a greater botany focus are required, as there is a perception that the current generation of botanists in the industry are retiring and they are not being replaced at the same rate; the industry is interested in shifting to more apprenticeships and on the job training to fill this gap.
A new Sports Turf apprenticeship is also planned to start in 2024, which will require changes to the existing level 3 and level 4 qualifications. We will work with the industry to explore the implications for qualifications.