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Replies

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  Matt July 26, 2010 at 10:46am

  I have done some distance learning and can't recommend these guys enough.
  http://www.ihrs.ac.uk/
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  Dave Sewell July 27, 2010 at 3:50pm

  Thanks Matt, unfortunatly these are horticulturally based courses rather than landscaping. However I shall log the site for future reference.
  Anybody else had any experience of the above courses?
  All best,
  David
  www.the-gardenmakers.co.uk
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  Jamie Sessford July 27, 2010 at 7:54pm

  Is he working in the landscaping industry? If so why not just do a NVQ? An assesor can come out for a couple hours a week to assess his work hes doing within the buisness and there is minimal "homework" to do. I wish I could have done an NVQ while I worked but due to ever-changing jobs had to put myself through a seperate diploma course. I have always wanted to do a distance learning course or evening classes, but I think the reality of fitting it in whilst working full time, is it just wont end up been done properly.
  
  EDIT - read your links and realised they were all NVQ related. All colleges offer similair courses and are more likely to obtain funding for any such course
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  Dave Sewell July 28, 2010 at 2:03pm

  Thanks Jamie,
  I think I've been a bit ambiguous - when I say 'one of my youngsters' I mean one of the young lads that I employ. So, yes, he is working in the industry! He wants to do a distance learning course because he can't afford the time off to go to college and to be fair we can't afford to send anybody at the moment.
  I'll try to find out more about the NVQ - that could be good 'heads-up'.
  All best,
  Dave
  www.the-gardenmakers.co.uk
• PRO

  Lara Hurley July 30, 2010 at 9:02pm

  Distance learning can be good, but he'll have to work hard and be more motivated than a 'terrestrial'student. It can be quite solitary - he should make sure that the course has good online chat rooms where he can mingle with other folks on the course and that the tutors are pro-active in encouraging the students. I speak from many years of experience running online learning modules in landscape management and arboriculture. Check how often tutorials are available, if they use web-cams or one-to-one chat to answer things directly. Too many colleges think that online learning means just sticking a book online and getting students to read it. Happily give more advice if there are any more questions...
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  Chris Collins July 31, 2010 at 10:39am

  I recently qualified in garden design with a distance learning course. It was very hard choosing an establishment to do the course with as theres so many places offering courses. I went for the only place that offered a good acknowledged qualification. I have also done a course to prepare for RHS general too distance learning.
  
  As mentioned by Lara self motiivation and self discipline are essential to get through the course as theres no geeing on from classmates or seeing a lecturer face to face. However when working full time with very little cash it is a very good way to qualify. The internet makes a hell of a lot of difference for research and networking. Definitely check which courses offers phone/net support too as there will be times when you will need to talk to the lecturer.
  
  I wish your workmate the best of luck with a course.