Courses

Level 2 Golf Greenkeeper

A Golf Greenkeeper is responsible for the maintenance, care and overall appearance of a golf course.

There are four key turfgrass areas on a golf course – greens, tees, fairways and areas of rough, each of which requires a different type of maintenance.

Using a range of equipment and machinery safely and competently will play a major part within an apprentices training programme. Golf Greenkeepers will also be involved in hazard, environmental and ecological operations which may include bunker maintenance, planting turf, trees, shrubs and developing wildlife habitats. The skills required to become a competent greenkeeper will be acquired whilst working on the golf course.

At the start of the apprenticeship the apprentice will be registered with the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA). At the end of the apprenticeship, successful apprentices will be eligible to join BIGGA as a full member and become an accredited greenkeeper.

Level 2 Sportsturf Operative

Level 3 Advanced Sportsturf Technician

The Advanced Golf Greenkeeper encompasses various job titles and technical specialisms.

The apprenticeship is designed to provide the greenkeeper with the skills and knowledge to operate at an advanced level where supervisory and/or specialist technical and agronomic skills are required.

Upon completion the advanced greenkeeper will have the necessary skills to supervise the greenkeeping team and the maintenance of the golf course, in the absence of the Head Greenkeeper/Golf Course Manager, and will assist in the planning, supervising and implementing the maintenance, care and overall appearance of a golf course in line with the employer’s requirements.

Successful completion of the apprenticeship provides accreditation to British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA).

Sustainable Horticulture Management

Sustainable horticulture cultivates plants to improve human life and the natural environment.  With increasing demand due to global development and markets, it's vital to supply horticulture goods and provide solutions for sustainable food while maintaining healthy and stimulating environments.  The industry relies on highly skilled and educated individuals who can utilise innovative technology and sustainable practices to sustain planet and population.

Across the Horticulture and agricultural sector there are changes in place which significantly impact on the skills needed by the workforce.  Technology is progressing rapidly and will change the skills needed by the workforce over the next decade.  In addition, adapting to climate change, improving biodiversity and resource use will require new approaches and strategies for management of horticulture sites.  This foundation degree will enable you to be able to develop skills, knowledge and understanding of the theoretical aspects of the subject areas as well as the current and future proofed skills needed to progress to a career in horticulture.

During this course you will learn key business and financial management techniques, application of technological advancements and sustainable practices in horticultural enterprises.  Your diverse learning journey will be theoretical, practical and academic.  As you study, you will be able to apply the knowledge and skills learned to real life situations, evaluate contemporary approaches and address industry challenges.  You will interact with a wide range of national bodies and industry links and facilities including One Garden Brighton, Plumpton Farm and Campus giving you a broad base of real-life experience and quality resources to draw upon in your future careers.

Topics include:

1. Study the foundations of plant health and development.
2. Learn how to grow plants in a sustainable way.
3. Learn how to manage a thriving business.
4. Analyse technological innovations.
5. Evaluate sustainable practices.

The course is designed for learners working in industry looking to upskill or new entrants.  It is applicable to the diversity of the horticulture sub-sectors; production horticulture (both nursery stock and outdoors), amenity and sports turf, greenkeeping, public gardens and landscaping.

Course information sheet

Short Courses

NPTC Level 2 Certificate of Competence in Chainsaw maintenance and cross cutting (003920)

NPTC Level 2 Certificate of Competence in Felling Small Trees up to 380mm (003921)

NPTC Level 2 Certificate of Competence in Tree climbing and aerial rescue (003922)

NPTC Level 2 Certificate of Competence in Using a Chainsaw from a Rope and Harness (003923)

NPTC Aerial cutting of trees using free fall techniques

NPTC Award in Safe use of Mobile Elevated Work Platform

NPTC Level 2 Award in Safe Use of Manually Fed Wood-chipper

Domestic Chainsaw Use: Maintenance and Cross Cutting (Plumpton)

NPTC L2 Award in the Safe Use of Brush-cutters and Trimmers - Non Independent

NPTC Award in the Safe Use of Pesticides (PA1)

NPTC Ground Crop Sprayer - Hydraulic Nozzle Pa2

NPTC PA3 Air Assisted Sprayer - Mounted or Trailed

NPTC PA6A Knapsack Sprayer - Hydraulic Nozzle

LANTRA Tractor Driving

LANTRA Rough Terrain Telescopic Lift Truck for Experienced Operators

NPTC L2 Certificate of Competence in the Safe and Responsible Use of Veterinary Medicines (Cattle & Sheep)

NPTC Livestock Transport Certificate (Short Journeys)

You can also browse dates and purchase current courses by clicking here or look at the PDF linked.