Horticulture and landscaping technical manager
Level 5 · HigherAgriculture, environmental and animal care 3 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
The Horticulture and Landscaping Technical Manager apprenticeship at Level 5 trains you to lead and manage the technical, commercial, and people aspects of a horticultural or landscaping business or department. You will oversee design, production, or grounds maintenance operations, manage contracts and budgets, and develop your team's skills. It leads to senior management roles in commercial horticulture, landscape contracting, parks management, and the garden industry.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Advanced plant science - physiology, nutrition, and pest and disease management
Commercial horticulture or landscape contracting business management
People management, team leadership, and performance development
Contract management, tendering, and financial control
Environmental legislation, sustainability, and biodiversity net gain
Irrigation, soil science, and growing media management
Quality management systems and client relationship management
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Plan and manage horticultural or landscaping contracts and programmes
Lead, develop, and performance-manage a team of operatives
Prepare and manage budgets, forecasts, and cost reports
Oversee plant health, quality, and production or maintenance standards
Liaise with clients and resolve operational issues professionally
Ensure compliance with environmental permits and health and safety law
Identify business development opportunities and support tendering
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 5 (Higher) - roughly Foundation-degree level. Usually needs Level 3 (A-levels, a T-Level, or an Advanced apprenticeship) or relevant experience.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 6 (Degree) apprenticeship or a senior role.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
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What it’s really like
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