Training

We offer a range of accredited training courses which are delivered in partnership with Cambridge Regional College. All of our courses take place at Snakehall Farm and are integrated into a real working environment within our community business.

There are no formal entry requirements. Awards are aimed at candidates who have an interest in gardening and would like to learn basic horticultural skills along with the relevant knowledge underpinning these skills. Courses are very practical and students should be willing and able to work outside in all conditions. The courses will help learners to gain in confidence and develop basic skills. Training is student-centred and takes into account each learner’s abilities and disabilities and individual learning plans and target setting are important elements.

The NPTC Certificate in Skills for Working Life, (Horticulture) is available for one year each at Entry Levels 2 and 3, after which some learners are able to progress to an NVQ. The course covers safe working practices, using and caring for tools, planting, weeding and harvesting. Some basic literacy is helpful, but not essential. To obtain a certificate you will need to complete some practical assessments and compile a folder of evidence.

City and Guilds Level 1 NVQ in Horticulture is offered over two years and learners need some basic skills in literacy and numeracy. National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) are work-based qualifications which are recognised by employers throughout the country. Training includes short classroom based sessions covering the theory, combined with assessment of practical work. The complete qualification includes three Units which have to be achieved:

􀂙 Health and Safety
􀂙 Assist with planting and establishing plants
􀂙 Assist with maintaining plants

Plus another three optional Units which will include:

􀂙 Vegetative propagation
􀂙 Seed sowing
􀂙 Prepare growing medium
􀂙 Maintain equipment
􀂙 Harvesting, collecting and preparing crops

New Opportunities

There are many opportunities for people who work at Snakehall Farm and on The Garden Team in the community, but as co-workers learn new skills and become more confident, they often show an interest in moving on to try something different. We welcome and support this interest and see it as something to be proud about and celebrate!!

We can support co-workers to find new opportunities, to approach prospective employers, to prepare for interviews, and to travel to their new place of work. We can also help them to learn their new job responsibilities and support them in the workplace until they feel confident to work on their own.