Land Based Sector Booklet

Land Based /Environmental Qualifications

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About ABC AwardsEstablished in 1998, ABC Awards (ABC) is the result of combining more than 180 years of regional examination and assessment practices into one national Awarding Organisation. As a registered charity we are continuing the tradition of our founding organisations who were established by the sector to deliver useful and practical qualifications whilst off ering exceptional support and ABC is proud to still be “owned” by the sector and working for the sector.

ABC off ers an outstanding range of vocational qualifications which reflect the skills that employers and centres look for in learners and employees. At ABC, we recognise the importance of continuing to off er not only a wide range and breadth of qualifications, but just as significantly, excellent customer support.

An Experienced and Knowledgeable TeamOur friendly and responsive approach to customers means all our centres have access to a dedicated Qualification Administrator as well as unlimited access to a Business Development Manager who can answer any queries or concerns you might have. Our Moderators are all subject specialists and are chosen by us for their experience, knowledge and ability to support centres to deliver ABC’s qualifications successfully.

A Wide Range of QualificationsOur portfolio of more than 600 Ofqual regulated qualifications covers 14 sectors with qualifications to suit all ages and abilities. We have designed all ABC qualifications with the support of relevant stakeholders to make sure that they meet the needs of the current industries across the UK. This means that the qualifications are designed to give learners the skills needed to find employment, progress within education or enhance their skills in their current job role. We have more than 1200 centres with many tens of thousands of certificates being issued each year.

Recognised and Valuable QualificationsABC Awards is a national Awarding Organisation providing qualifications regulated by Ofqual.

Land Based / EnvironmentalThere are more than 140,000 people employed in the Land Based sector and the industry has experienced a year on year growth over the past nine years. Working closely with Lantra (the Sector Skills Council for environmental and land based industries), ABC Awards’ has been able to create qualifications which off er learners the opportunity to gain a vast range of skills and knowledge needed for the variety of careers within this sector. Our qualifications cover:

Horticulture is a broad and diverse industry that can be split into the following areas:

Landscaping• comprises many diff erent types of business and employment, including both the public and private sectors. Businesses range from small contracting firms to large integrated, multi-national companies and local authorities.

Production horticulture• which typically includes businesses producing fruit, vegetables, protected crops, plants, flowers and bulbs, nursery stock and trees.

Sports turf and greenkeeping • which includes managing and maintaining sports turf/grounds.

Parks, gardens and green space• comprising local authority parks and greenspace, private gardens, heritage and botanic gardens.

Floristry• is about designing, creating, retailing and delivering floral displays for a variety of occasions, but also the wholesale buying of flowers, sundries and associated products and preparing them for sale.

Animal Care covers working in a range of jobs relating to the care and welfare of animals.

Arboriculture deals with trees and timber and involves careers in tree surveying, forest ranger and arboriculture.

Environmental conservation includes the conservation of landscapes, habitats and species alongside the management of public access, recreation and understanding and enjoyment of the countryside.

Sustainability works with sustainables and renewables as well as exploring energy conversion.

Image: Michaelw / stock.xchng


HorticultureWithin the Horticulture industry, 67% of all employers suggest that there is a gap in basic horticulture skills. The industry also suggests that the level of hard-to-fill vacancies is because applicants entering the sector lack technical / job specific skills. As the horticulture industry is one of the largest employers in the UK, ABC Awards’ has worked with industry specialists to produce relevant and significant qualifications to address the issues outlined. Our qualifications give learners an insight into a range of careers, which will allow them to develop their knowledge in a chosen field and gain employment or further experience as a gardener, landscaper, nursery worker, fruit and vegetable production worker, green keeper or a floristry assistant to name but a few.

Who Are These Qualifications Aimed At?Adults and young people - some of our qualifications are accessible to pre-16 • learners.

All qualifications within the horticulture sub sector are designed for learners with • a vested interest in the land based industry as an area of employment and want to develop practical skills in the industry.

The Work-Based Horticulture qualifications are specifically designed for learners • aged 16+ who are working as green keepers inthe sports turf sector, either in paid or unpaid employment.

Learners who wish to progress to more advanced study.•

Adults / young people who wish to study for personal development.•

What Next? - Progression Routes• Further study e.g. another ABC Land Based qualification, universtiy degree.

• Progress into an apprenticeship within the sector.

• Gain promotion to a more senior position within existing employment.

• Improve employment prospects.

What Qualifications Are On Off er?• Practical Countryside Skills

• Practical Horticulture Skills

• Work-Based Horticulture

• Practical Floristry Skills

Image: Mioawee / stock.xchng


Animal CareThe animal care industry is important for the land based and environmental sector in England, representing 11% of businesses and 21% of employment within the sector. ABC’s Animal Care qualifications provide practical entry and progression routes that encourage learners to develop their skills and knowledge in areas of interest to them. Covering subjects such as animal care and welfare, zoos/wildlife establishments, dog grooming, pet care and retail, animal welfare enforcement, animal training, dog/animal wardens and animals in education and entertainment.

ABC’s qualifications can lead to employment in jobs such as animal nursing assistants, dog grooming, animal/dog trainer, dog warden, hydrotherapy for small animals and small and farm animal management or further study.

What Next? - Progression Routes• Further study e.g. another ABC Land Based qualification, universtiy degree.

• Progress into an apprenticeship within the sector.

• Gain promotion to a more senior position within existing employment.

• Improve employment prospects.

Who Are These Qualifications Aimed At?• Adults and young people - some qualifications are available to pre-16 learners.

• School leavers who are keen to under take a more practical qualification in a realistic working environment.

• Mature learners returning to study.

• Learners wanting to enhance future career opportunities.

• Learners wishing to work with companion animals.

• The Animal Nursing Assistants qualifications are particularly aimed at school leavers with insuffi cient GCSEs to register as a veterinary nurse as well as non-qualified veterinary staff .

• ABC’s Hydrotherapy for Small Animals qualifications are designed for those learners who already have experience of working with small animals who wish to build on their existing knowledge.

Image: Greyfriars Rehabilitation and Hydrotherapy Referral Centre / greyfriarsrehab.co.uk

What Qualifications Are On Off er?• Practical Farm Animal Care Skills• Practical Small Animal Care Skills• Practical Animal Care Skills• Animal Nursing Assistants• Hydrotherapy for Small Animals• Work-Based Animal Care


“The ABC qualifications

are excellent and have motivated the learners in

both practical and theoretical tasks”

It is estimated that last year there were approximately 3,000 organisations and 17,000 people working in the environmental conservation industry in England; in addition to this there are an estimated 200,000 volunteers working in the UK in conservation.

Environmental conservation covers a wide range of opportunities including the conservation of landscapes, habitats and species alongside the management of public access, recreation and interpretation to promote awareness, understanding and enjoyment of the countryside. The sector also covers associated landscape management skills at policy, planning and technical level together with the maintenance of rivers and waterways.

ABC’s range of qualifications, from entry level up to level 3 can lead to job roles or further study. Job roles include estate worker, ranger, conservation offi cer, dry stone waller, ecologist, environmental management offi cer, senior ranger etc.

Environment and Conservation

What Qualifications Are On Off er?• Work-Based Environmental Conservation• Practical and Environmental Conservation Skills• Land Based Operations

Who Are These Qualifications Aimed At?• Adults and young people - some qualifications are available to pre-16 learners.• School leavers who are keen to undertake a more practical qualification in a realistic working environment.• Mature learners returning to study.• Learners who are employed full time, including those in the voluntary sector who are looking to further enhance their career.• Learners wanting to enhance future career opportunities.• Learners with an interest in the land based industry.What Next? - Progression Routes• Further study - learners can progress into other areas within the land based industry e.g. Horticulture, Animal Care.• Enter into paid or voluntary employment.• Progress into an apprenticeship within the sector.• Progress further within current role.


ArboricultureArboriculture is the cultivation, management, and study of individual trees, shrubs, climbers and other perennial woody plants, maintained for permanent landscape and amenity purposes, usually in gardens, parks, streets or other populated settings.

The science of arboriculture studies how these plants grow and respond to cultural practices and to their environment. The practice of arboriculture specie selection, planting, pruning, removal, pest and pathogen control, inspection, risk management, legislation interpretation, report writing and strategic planning.

A person who practises or studies arboriculture can be termed a ‘tree surgeon’ an ‘arborist’, or an ‘arboriculturist’.

What qualifications are on off er?ABC’s arboriculture qualifications off er learners the opportunity to undertake Arboriculture study at 3 levels.

Level 2 Certificate in Arboriculture aims to provide learners with the opportunity to acquire the essential skills, knowledge and understanding required for employment in tree surgery/ arboriculture and related industries and aims to develop underpinning knowledge by promoting and encouraging the development of new techniques and learning activities.

Level 4 Award, Certificate and Diploma in Arboriculture are designed for those learners who have been involved in the practical side of the industry and wish to progress into a more supervisory / managerial role, for those currently wortking as assistant tree offi cers or technicians and those involved in tree survey works. Learners may work in related disciplines such as horticulture, forestry, countryside management, landscape architecture and planning, and wish to increase their knowledge of arboriculture.

Level 6 Certificate and Diploma in Arboriculture are designed for learners currently working in arboriculture, both in the public and private sectors, either to provide opportunities for progression to senior positions or to complement their experience and provide evidence of their knowledge of arboriculture. These Level 6 qualifications allow learners to develop their potential ability fully and to use their own ideas and research in response to complex problems and situations and apply arboricultural research findings, new concepts and principles to the everyday practice of managing tree populations.

What next – progression routesLevel 2

This qualification provides access to continued Further Education, enhanced employability and/or an opportunity for employed learners to up-date existing skills and knowledge. Career opportunities: Climber, Self employed Contractor.

Level 4

These qualifications provide suitable skills, knowledge and experience to progress to other higher level qualifications such as the ABC Awards Level 6 Certificate or Diploma in Arboriculture.

In addition, achievement of these qualifications should provide a solid foundation of skills supporting progression to higher levels of responsibility and opening up the possibility of entrepreneurial activities such as starting one’s own business. Careers include: College Technician / Instructor, Assistant Tree Offi cer, Tree Surveyor.

Level 6

Learners could progress to a Higher Degree or to membership of a chartered professional body. Careers include: Arboricultural / Woodland Consultant, Senior Tree Offi cer, Lecturer and Contracts Manager.

The Arboriculture qualifications enable learners to progress to professional memberships such as the Arboricultural Association, the Institute of Chartered Foresters, the International Society of Arboriculture, etc.

soil

coppicing

photosynthesisand osmosis

shrubs

planting

plant physiology

plant propagation

tree surgery

ecosystems

urban forestry

species of trees

RFSamenitywoodlands


Sustainable EnergyThe environmental industry is undergoing a substantial period of change, driven by a range of political, economic, social, technological, legal and environmental drivers which include increased public awareness and concern in relation to environmental issues. There is increased focus on recovering energy from waste and utilising natural resources to create and harness energy.

Learners will find ABC’s qualifications have been developed to address these drivers and cover such subjects as converting biomass into fuel and energy and converting wind into energy. Qualifications deal with units such as electrical engineering for wind turbines as well as producing biomass fuel from non-woody resources.

“ABC off ers an accessible and stable

support structure.”

Who Are These Qualifications Aimed At?•Adults and young people - Some qualifications are accessible to pre-16 learners.

•People wanting to work in the industry.

•Those wanting to advance their skills / further their career.

•Adults / young people who want to progress to more advanced study.

•Those who wish to study for personal development.

What Next? - Progression Routes•Related further education programmes.

•Improve employment prospects.

•Progress further within current role.

What Qualifications Are On Off er?• Sustainable Energy

• Converting Biomass into Fuel and Energy

• Sustainability and the Renewables Industry

fuels

renewableswind powerbiomass

turbinesfuel supply technology

windmill

energy

sustainability training

off shore wind harnessing

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ApprenticeshipsLand Based Apprenticeships are available to people who have a vested interest in the land based industry and who want to learn the skills needed for a successful career in this field. Apprentices get to develop land based specific skills and knowledge whilst learning key / core skills. ABC has a number of qualifications in the Land Based sector that contribute towards apprenticeships.

Floristry Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship, England and (Wales) non statutoryKnowledge Qualification

Pathway 1- Floristry: ABC Level 2 Certificate in Retail Knowledge (500/7497/0)

Floristry Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, England and (Wales) non statutoryKnowledge Qualification

Pathway 1 - Floristry: ABC Level 3 Certificate in Retail Knowledge (500/7442/8)

Horticulture Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship, England and (Wales) non statutoryCombined Qualification

Pathway 1 - Horticulture: ABC Level 2 Diploma in Work-Based Horticulture (500/6756/4)

Horticulture Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, England and (Wales) non statutoryCombined Qualification

Pathway 1 - Horticulture: ABC Level 3 Diploma in Work-Based Horticulture (500/6735/7)

Environmental Conservation Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship, England and (Wales) non statutoryCompetence Based Element

Pathway 1 - Environmental Conservation: ABC Level 2 Diploma in Work-Based Environmental Conservation (500/8705/8)

Environmental Conservation Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, England and (Wales) non statutoryCompetence Based Element

Pathway 1 - Environmental Conservation: ABC Level 3 Diploma in Work-Based Environmental Conservation (500/8705/X)

Animal Care Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship, England and (Wales) non statutoryCombined Qualification

Pathway 1 - Animal Care: ABC Level 2 Diploma in Work-Based Animal Care (500/6740/0)

Animal Care Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, England and (Wales) non statutoryCombined Qualification

Pathway 1 - Animal Care: ABC Level 3 Diploma in Work-Based Animal Care (500/6738/2)

How do I get more [email protected]

www.abcawards.co.uk/landbased-and-environmental/

FeesABC has no hidden fees or charges so the prices you see on our web site are the prices you actually pay. Our costs are inclusive of enrolment, certification and moderation fees.

FundingABC Awards has endeavoured to provide signposting to funding eligibility but centres are advised that these are guides only and clarification from funding providers should be sought.

ResourcesAdditional guidance and resources to support our qualifications is freely available to approved ABC centres.

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Documents

Land Based Sector Booklet