Build Skills for the World of Horticulture & Grounds Maintenance
Our Horticulture & Grounds Maintenance pathway helps learners develop practical skills, confidence, and experience within the land-based industry.
Learners explore areas such as horticulture, conservation, gardening, and grounds maintenance while building the knowledge and workplace skills needed for future employment, volunteering, supported internships, or further training.
Learners develop industry skills such as sowing seeds, planting trees, conservation work, teamwork and communication, propagating and using tools safely.
This hands-on pathway encourages learners to build confidence, independence, responsibility, and practical employability skills through meaningful outdoor learning experiences.
Real-Work Environments and Industry Experience
Learners gain valuable real-world experience through a variety of practical opportunities across our college site.
- At Petty Pool, learners help maintain and develop:
- A 60ft greenhouse
- Large vegetable growing areas
- College grounds and woodland spaces
- Our on-site tree nursery
Learners also grow and care for plants, trees, hanging baskets, and seasonal products that are sold within our on-site community shop, The Woodland Shop.
These experiences help learners understand the daily responsibilities involved in horticulture, conservation, and grounds maintenance while developing teamwork, time management, and practical workplace skills.
Where possible, learners may also access external work placements and industry experiences with local organisations and businesses, which may include:
- Delamere Manor
- The Joshua Tree
- De Vere Cranage Estate
- Tarporley garden Centre
- Other local businesses, venues, and community projects
These placements help learners apply the skills they have developed at Petty Pool within real workplace environments.
What does the Course Include?
Learners develop practical horticulture and land-based skills in areas such as:
- Health and Safety in Outdoor Environments
- Safe Use of Tools and Equipment
- Planting and Cultivating Crops
- Tree Planting and Propagation
- Conservation and Environmental Awareness
- Grounds and Garden Maintenance
- Creating Hanging Baskets and Planters
- Seasonal Plant Care
- Teamwork and Outdoor Working Skills
- Exploring Careers in the Land-Based Industry
Throughout the course, learners are encouraged to develop confidence, independence, resilience, and workplace readiness.
Preparing for Future Employment
This pathway helps learners prepare for a range of horticulture, gardening, conservation, and grounds maintenance roles.
Possible future opportunities may include:
- Grounds Maintenance Assistant
- Gardener or Gardening Assistant
- Horticulture Assistant
- Greenhouse Assistant
- Landscape Maintenance Assistant
- Conservation Volunteer
- Estate or Grounds Team Support
- Outdoor Maintenance Roles
- Community Gardening Projects
- Environmental and Land-Based Support Roles
Learners also develop transferable employability skills that can support future volunteering, supported internships, further training, and paid employment opportunities.