Modern Apprenticeship in Horticulture at SCQF Level 5

The purpose of the Modern Apprenticeship is to encourage entry into and progression within the
horticultural industry in order to support the wide range of skills needed by the sector in Scotland. The
Modern Apprenticeships in Horticulture are offered at SCQF Level 5 and SCQF Level 6 and are available to
anyone over the age of sixteen. The Modern Apprenticeships provide paid employment and the
opportunity to be trained within the workplace, gaining competence in a diverse range of horticultural
skills and occupations within a wide range of businesses, from production horticulture to landscaping.

Although all areas of work within horticulture include working with plants, they have different outcomes,
which means that the process and equipment used can differ from one another.

The industry is highly specialised and can involve working with a vast array of machines, materials and
equipment; from planting and maintaining stock, through to using chainsaws, harvesters and computer
software. A wide range of skills and knowledge is therefore required to cover the variety of jobs and tasks
involved.

Technology and research is rapidly changing the face of horticulture and in recent years start-up
companies have driven technological advancements. This can be seen in production horticulture where
sensors can monitor everything, from disease to energy consumption and water use and wireless control
systems which allow for remotely controlled lighting zones to optimise production and monitor energy
use. Research has also led to new plant varieties, new plant protection fertiliser formulas and the
increasing use of organics. With this in mind, it is extremely important to ensure that the SVQ and Modern
Apprenticeships for the horticulture sector are relevant and meet the needs of the fast-changing sector.

Micro-businesses dominate the sector in Scotland, with 41% of the sector employing 0-4 people1. There
are a small amount of businesses that don’t fall into the norm and employ more than 10 employees. Over
the last few years there have been changes in rural land use and key policies and priorities being placed
upon specific industries by the Scottish Government, because they are critical to the sustainability of rural
economies; food production (production horticulture) is just one.

Over 3 million adults in Scotland (72%) have a garden or allotment. Horticulture delivers quality of life for
people through the design, development and maintenance of green spaces, both public and private that
make up the green infrastructure of towns and cities.2 Scotland has some of the most beautiful
landscapes and gardens which attract people from around the world. Garden tourism is popular in
Scotland and is worth £1.4 billion across the UK.3

The Landscaping sector consists of a diverse range of businesses and employment covering hard and soft
landscaping. Businesses can be from the public and private sectors and range from small contracting firms
to large integrated, multi-national companies and local authorities.

Modern Apprenticeship in Horticulture at SCQF Level 5 website