Landscape technician
Level 3 · AdvancedConstruction and the built environment 2 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
A landscape technician plans, creates, and maintains outdoor spaces including parks, gardens, sports grounds, and urban green infrastructure. At level 3, apprentices develop horticultural, design, and project management skills to deliver high-quality landscapes for clients or employers. The role leads to landscape supervisor, project manager, or garden design careers.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Plant identification, soil science, and how to select plants for different conditions
Hard landscaping techniques including paving, walling, and drainage installation
Irrigation systems design and basic installation
Safe operation of powered machinery including mowers, chainsaws, and excavators
Basic landscape design principles and how to read technical drawings
Environmental legislation affecting land management and green infrastructure
Contract management skills including scheduling and cost monitoring
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Prepare ground and install planting schemes, turf, and soft landscaping
Lay hard surfaces including block paving, gravel paths, and bound resin
Operate and maintain a range of powered groundscare machinery safely
Carry out seasonal maintenance including pruning, planting, and mulching
Interpret landscape plans and ensure work matches design specifications
Liaise with clients or site managers on progress and any variations
Monitor the health of plants and recommend remedial treatments when needed
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 3 (Advanced) - roughly A-level level. Employers usually look for some GCSEs (often English & maths around grade 4/C) or a Level 2 apprenticeship first. English & maths can sometimes be finished during training.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 4/5 (Higher) apprenticeship, or straight into the role.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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