Thoughts on this course...

Hi guys.

Some of you may or may not of read some of my previous post regarding potential career movement but for those that have not

I have been working as a Grounds Maintenance assistant in Leeds for the past 6 months and love the work! I've been predominantly working on Junior and High School sites, doing anything from cutting grass to pitch marking. I have been let go for the off season but do want to continue in this field (no pun intended). I am ok with the fact that I will probably work in any old job for the next 4-5 months or so but after having a good old think about what I really enjoy about the work, I am looking to take a distance learning course.

I love the idea of working on a one big site such as school grounds and watching it develop, learning all it's quirks and having little man versus nature battles with it - keeping it healthy and looking great.

So with this in mind I am looking for a course that would cover general horticulture but also grounds (such as schools) management. Ideally it would give me a good grounding should I want to move into self employment down the line too, as I have already discussed with some of you VERY helpful people on here.

Below is a course I have found that looks about right. I KnoW nothing about the institution running it but the course looks relevant. If you have the time, would you mind looking at it and giving me your professional feedback- Both what you think of the content and how you would view it as an employer if I came to you with this qualification.

http://www.springest.co.uk/adl/advanced-certificate-in-horticulture-grounds-management-vht002#description

Or as an alternative look at doing an Amenity Horticulture NVQ Level 2 (with landscaping) when I find a job next season?

Big thanks!

Neil.

Hi Gaynor

Thanks for the ongoing help. Yeah I thought it was a bit expensive but it does have elements more related to what I wanted to do. On reflection though, having only spent a relatively small amount of time in the industry maybe I shouldn't limit myself to specifics. I would happily take a jobs in a nursery right now as well as looking after some school grounds.

Looking at the hcc, the RHS Level 2&3 combined seems really good value but maybe I should just see how I get on with the level two first.

Think I'm slowly coming to a decision.....slowly....

Neil.

Gaynor Witchard said:

I've had a quick look Neil and it seems quite expensive. I'm not sure if I mentioned the HCC (Horticultural Correspondence College) http://www.hccollege.co.uk/ to you which has very reasonable distance learning fees which you can pay on a monthly basis.

I studied with them as it prepared me for the RHS exams I took (separate to the college) and passed. You gain a certificate of completion and a write up from the college. If you haven't had a look, do click on the link above.

If anyone came to me with a qualification alone I would be happy as long as it is accredited. Having said that, I would also be happy with a person who may not have formal qualifications as long as they have the relevant experience instead. A combination of both is the ideal.

Whatever course you decide upon, it can only be a good thing, so good luck!

Replies

PRO

Geoffrey King September 24, 2011 at 7:01pm

Hi Neil,

If you are based in Leeds, have you looked at Askham Bryan in nearby York

www.askham-bryan.ac.uk/media/.../AB_PartTimeProspectusWEB.pd...

or courses run at RHS Harlow Carr in conjunction with Leeds Met University

http://www.rhs.org.uk/Gardens/Harlow-Carr/Learning
Neil Hogan September 24, 2011 at 8:51pm

Hi Gaynor

Thanks for the ongoing help. Yeah I thought it was a bit expensive but it does have elements more related to what I wanted to do. On reflection though, having only spent a relatively small amount of time in the industry maybe I shouldn't limit myself to specifics. I would happily take a jobs in a nursery right now as well as looking after some school grounds.

Looking at the hcc, the RHS Level 2&3 combined seems really good value but maybe I should just see how I get on with the level two first.

Think I'm slowly coming to a decision.....slowly....

Neil.

Gaynor Witchard said:

I've had a quick look Neil and it seems quite expensive. I'm not sure if I mentioned the HCC (Horticultural Correspondence College) http://www.hccollege.co.uk/ to you which has very reasonable distance learning fees which you can pay on a monthly basis.

I studied with them as it prepared me for the RHS exams I took (separate to the college) and passed. You gain a certificate of completion and a write up from the college. If you haven't had a look, do click on the link above.

If anyone came to me with a qualification alone I would be happy as long as it is accredited. Having said that, I would also be happy with a person who may not have formal qualifications as long as they have the relevant experience instead. A combination of both is the ideal.

Whatever course you decide upon, it can only be a good thing, so good luck!
Neil Hogan September 24, 2011 at 8:55pm

Hi Geoffrey,

Thanks for the input. Sadly I can't commit to a day a week but I am chatting with Askham about doing my spaying certs and some lantra courses.

Much apprecited

Neil.

Geoffrey King said:

Hi Neil,

If you are based in Leeds, have you looked at Askham Bryan in nearby York

www.askham-bryan.ac.uk/media/.../AB_PartTimeProspectusWEB.pd...

or courses run at RHS Harlow Carr in conjunction with Leeds Met University

http://www.rhs.org.uk/Gardens/Harlow-Carr/Learning
Neil Hogan September 25, 2011 at 9:42am

Hi Paul

Yes I have had a look and not many are asking for specific qualifications. Some are asking for spraying certs, but it's mainly to have worked in that environment before. Luckily my role over the summer was working on school grounds 8 out 10 days so I do have that going for me.

I appreciate experience is the most valuable thing so with only having 6 months i thought it would be important to have some theory too.

Thanks for the input.

Neil.

Paul @ PPCH Services said:

Neil, If you are interested in working as a school groundsman or similar, have you tried looking at advertised jobs to see what the required qualifications are that they specify?