Level 3 Horticulture/Landscaping Supervisor

Overview
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Realise Your Potential

Lead the Outdoors & Elevate Your Career: The Level 3 Horticulture/Landscape Supervisor Standard

Step into a leadership role in the dynamic world of horticulture and landscape management with the Level 3 Horticulture/Landscape Supervisor Apprenticeship. This programme is designed to develop skilled professionals who not only shape, maintain, and enhance outdoor environments but also lead teams, manage projects, and drive innovation in the sector.

With a blend of hands-on expertise and advanced technical knowledge, this apprenticeship prepares you for supervisory roles across parks, gardens, sports facilities, and commercial landscapes. Whether you're coordinating landscaping projects, implementing sustainable horticultural practices, or managing plant health, you'll gain the leadership skills, technical expertise, and environmental awareness needed to thrive in a growing industry.

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Duration

21-Months

Qualification

Level 3 Horticulture/Landscape Standard

Learning Style

Live online training, Face-to-face and Online content 

Modules

The following modules have been meticulously designed to ensure that every learner acquires the knowledge, skills, and behaviours outlined in the apprenticeship standard. The curriculum is strategically sequenced to provide learners with a solid foundation in general sector practices during the initial stages of the programme. As learners progress, they will move on to more specialised and advanced concepts in either the field of horticulture or landscape.

Professional Standards and Regulatory Requirements

Health, Safety and Environmental Legislation

Leadership, Team Management and Communication

Plant Identification and Soil Science for Supervisors

Pest, Disease, and Invasive Species Management

Project Planning and Worksite Organisation Sklls

Horticulture Pathway

Soft Landscape Maintenance and Scheduling

Advanced Propagation and Plant Production

Sustainable Planting Strategies and Biodiversity

Landscape Construction Pathway

Landscape Feature Planning and Installation

Site Surveying and Levelling

Sustainable Construction and Materials

End-Point Assessment

Practical Assessment

Project Report

Professional Discussion

Learning Journey

  • Months 1-3: Establishing Leadership & Industry Standards

    In this phase, apprentices will develop a solid foundation in leadership, industry regulations, and professional standards. They will focus on understanding health, safety, and environmental regulations; developing communication and leadership skills to manage teams effectively; and learning the importance of sustainability in horticultural and landscape management. Additionally, they will gain insight into business operations, contracts, and client expectations, as well as begin site assessments and risk management training, ensuring they can plan and oversee projects with confidence.

  • Months 4-6: Mastering Tools, Machinery & Environmental Best Practices

    Apprentices will expand their technical expertise in horticultural and landscaping machinery, such as mowers, trimmers, and excavators, while also developing skills in irrigation systems and drainage solutions to support sustainable landscapes. They will learn how to implement environmental protection and biodiversity conservation strategies, alongside gaining proficiency in the safe handling and application of pesticides and fertilisers in line with regulatory standards. By the end of this phase, apprentices will be able to supervise landscape operations effectively, ensuring best practices are followed while maintaining high standards of environmental responsibility.

  • Months 7-9: Advanced Soil Science, Plant Health & Cultivation Systems

    This phase focuses on soil science, plant health, and advanced cultivation techniques, ensuring apprentices can assess soil structures, drainage properties, and nutrient composition for different landscapes. They will implement irrigation and water conservation techniques to optimise plant health while diagnosing and managing pests, diseases, and invasive species. In addition, they will develop skills in plant propagation and selecting appropriate growing media, allowing them to manage plant growth cycles effectively and maintain thriving landscapes in diverse environments.

  • Months 10-12: Preparing for Large-Scale Projects & Specialised Applications

    During this stage, apprentices will refine their skills in project planning and resource management, developing the ability to plan and schedule seasonal maintenance for landscapes and green spaces while ensuring projects are delivered on time and to specification. They will gain experience in landscape installation projects, managing materials procurement, site logistics, and hard and soft landscaping applications. Apprentices will also enhance their knowledge of turf management techniques, including aeration, scarification, and reseeding, ensuring they can supervise large-scale horticultural and landscaping projects with confidence and efficiency.

  • Months 13-15: Pathway Specialisation – Horticulture or Landscape Construction

    At this stage, apprentices will select their specialisation pathway based on their career focus, either Horticulture Supervisory or Landscape Construction Supervisory. Horticulture apprentices will focus on plant selection and management, implementing biodiversity strategies, scheduling seasonal maintenance for parks and green spaces, and managing plant propagation and nursery operations. Landscape construction apprentices will focus on hard landscaping techniques, overseeing the construction of pathways, patios, and retaining walls; conducting site surveying and levelling; and ensuring material selection, drainage, and sustainability are incorporated into all projects. By the end of this phase, apprentices will have developed the technical expertise and supervisory skills required for leadership roles in their respective fields.

  • Months 16-18: Demonstrating Mastery & EPA Preparation

    The final stage focuses on End-Point Assessment (EPA) preparation, ensuring apprentices are fully equipped to demonstrate their expertise. They will participate in mock assessments covering practical skills, technical knowledge, and professional discussions; refine their leadership and team supervision abilities in real-world scenarios; and finalise a comprehensive portfolio of evidence to showcase their competencies. Additionally, they will complete project work and technical reports, ensuring they are prepared for the EPA’s knowledge test, observation, and professional interview. By the end of this phase, apprentices will be confident in their ability to lead, manage, and execute horticultural and landscaping projects to the highest professional standard.

  • Months 19-21: End-Point Assessment (EPA) & Qualification Completion

    In the final three months, apprentices will complete their formal EPA assessments, which include a  practical assessment, professional discussion, and project review. This phase is designed to validate their technical competence, leadership skills, and ability to apply industry best practices in a real-world setting. Apprentices will receive final guidance and support from their mentors, ensuring they are fully prepared to showcase their expertise. Upon successful completion, they will achieve their Level 3 Horticulture & Landscape Supervisor qualification, positioning them for career progression into senior supervisory and management roles within the industry.

Want to find out more

To get detailed information and comprehensive guidance on the Level 3 Horticulture/Landscape Supervisor Standard Apprenticeship, download our full course material.