Qualification Levels
There are eight qualification levels and an entry level in the National Qualification Framework.
The levels shown opposite illustrate the qualification from the National Qualification Framework and the corresponding framework for Higher Education Qualifications.
In addition to the qualifications illustrated there is a wide variety of other vocational qualifications e.g. in IT there are qualifications offered by Microsoft, Oracle and Cisco which can be used to complement qualifcations from the framework.
In many cases it is possible to get in-work training in such qualifications.
Entry Level
Entry level qualifications recognise basic knowledge and skills and the ability to apply learning in everyday situations under direct guidance or supervision. Learning at this level involves building basic knowledge and skills and is not geared towards specific occupations.
Level 1
Level 1 qualifications recognise basic knowledge and skills and the ability to apply learning with guidance or supervision. Learning at this level is about activities which mostly relate to everyday situations and may be linked to job competence.
Level 2
Level 2 qualifications recognise the ability to gain a good knowledge and understanding of a subject area of work or study, and to perform varied tasks with some guidance or supervision. Learning at this level involves building knowledge and/or skills in relation to an area of work or a subject area and is appropriate for many job roles.
Level 3
Level 3 qualifications recognise the ability to gain, and where relevant apply a range of knowledge, skills and understanding. Learning at this level involves obtaining detailed knowledge and skills. It is appropriate for people wishing to go to university, people working independently, or in some areas supervising and training others in their field of work.
Level 4
Level 4 qualifications recognise specialist learning and involve detailed analysis of a high level of information and knowledge in an area of work or study. Learning at this level is appropriate for people working in technical and professional jobs, and/or managing and developing others. Level 4 qualifications are at a level equivalent to Certificates of Higher Education.
Level 5
Level 5 qualifications recognise the ability to increase the depth of knowledge and understanding of an area of work or study to enable the formulation of solutions and responses to complex problems and situations. Learning at this level involves the demonstration of high levels of knowledge, a high level of work expertise in job roles and competence in managing and training others. Qualifications at this level are appropriate for people working as higher grade technicians, professionals or managers. Level 5 qualifications are at a level equivalent to intermediate Higher Education qualifications such as Diplomas of Higher Education, Foundation and other degrees that do not typically provide access to postgraduate programmes.
Level 6
Level 6 qualifications recognise a specialist high level knowledge of an area of work or study to enable the use of an individual's own ideas and research in response to complex problems and situations. Learning at this level involves the achievement of a high level of professional knowledge and is appropriate for people working as knowledge-based professionals or in professional management positions. Level 6 qualifications are at a level equivalent to Bachelors degrees with honours, graduate certificates and graduate diplomas.
Level 7
Level 7 qualifications recognise highly developed and complex levels of knowledge which enable the development of in-depth and original responses to complicated and unpredictable problems and situations. Learning at this level involves the demonstration of high level specialist professional knowledge and is appropriate for senior professionals and managers. Level 7 qualifications are at a level equivalent to Masters degrees, postgraduate certificates and postgraduate diplomas.
Level 8
Level 8 qualifications recognise leading experts or practitioners in a particular field. Learning at this level involves the development of new and creative approaches that extend or redefine existing knowledge or professional practice.
NATIONAL & LOCAL AREA LINKS
C&G Level 1
Level 1 courses are for those new to the horticultural industry or existing workers who want to achieve a basic qualification covering all aspects of horticulture, including soft landscaping and turf maintenance.
They involve day release and written and practical assessments leading to the City & Guilds Horticultural Skills test.
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NVQ Level 2
NVQs test what you can do - not just what you know. Once registered with an approved college, learning and assessment takes place in the workplace.
NVQ 2 can be taken as part of an
Apprenticeship in
Amenity Horticulture.
Programme:
- NVQ Level 2 in Amenity Horticulture
- Key Skills at Level 1 including the Application of Number, Communication and IT
- Emergency first aid
- Two tests such as the Certificate of Competence in Safe Manual Handling and Safe use of pesticides
For more information on Apprenticeships visit
www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
For more information on the approved Technical Certificates and the Apprenticeship Framework visit
www.lantra.co.uk.
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C&G Level 3
The City & Guilds Advanced National Certificate in
Horticulture takes three years by day release (or one year full time).
Landscape Practice as an option covers topics such as soil and plant science, landscape and garden design and plant knowledge.
You could also take short courses in Chainsaw and Brushcutting to develop your practical skills.
Alternative level 3 qualifications are the
RHS Advanced Certificate and
Diplomas in Horticulture available through colleges in the South East.
www.rhs.org.uk.
These are part time modular awards with assessment of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. There is an optional module in the Diploma on landscape/amenity horticulture.
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HNC/HND
HNDs in subjects such as
Garden Design or
Garden Design with Plantsmanship take two years full time. HNCs can sometimes be taken part time while working, although this will take longer.
www.ucas.ac.uk gives a list of relevant HNC/HND courses.
You can generally progress from an HND into an accredited honours degree.
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Honours Degree
You can progress to a top up degree such as BA (Hons) Garden Design and Business Management which takes one year full time or two years part time.
If successful you can apply for registered membership of the Society of Garden Designers (MSGD).