Horticulture & Land Management

City & Guilds NPTC Level 2 Award in Forest Machine Operations - Felling

This element focuses on the safe preparation, operation, and maneuvering of mechanized felling equipment such as harvesters or feller bunchers. Learners must demonstrate competence in pre-use checks, site hazard identification, and precise felling techniques while adhering to health and safety legislation and industry best practice. Mastery ensures efficient timber harvesting with minimal environmental impact and operator risk.

Prepare and operate machinery to fell trees

City & Guilds NPTC Level 2 Award In Forest Machine Operations - Flail/Mulcher

This element focuses on the safe preparation and operation of a flail/mulcher in forestry and land management contexts. Learners must demonstrate competence in pre-use checks, safe operating procedures, and compliance with relevant health and safety legislation and industry codes of practice. The practical application involves clearing vegetation, mulching brash, and managing forest residues effectively.

Prepare and Operate a Flail/Mulcher

10 guidance points

City & Guilds NPTC Level 2 Award in Forest Machine Operations - Cable Crane

This subtopic focuses on the safe preparation, setup, and operation of a cable crane system for timber extraction in forestry environments. It covers site and machinery selection, grounding anchors, spar tree rigging, tensioning procedures, and compliance with relevant health and safety legislation. Mastery ensures efficient timber recovery while minimising environmental impact and operational risk.

Prepare and Operate Cable Crane for Timber Extraction

175 guidance points21 criteria

City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Work-based Floristry

This subtopic focuses on the essential skills for effective workplace communication within a floristry environment, ensuring accurate order processing, seamless teamwork, and compliance with legal requirements. Learners will develop competence in receiving and transmitting information through appropriate channels, such as verbal briefings, written order forms, and digital messages, to maintain high service standards and avoid costly errors. Mastery of these skills directly impacts customer satisfaction, waste reduction, and professional reputation in the floristry industry.

Communicate information within the workplace, Maintain and develop personal performance, Maintain and store records within the workplace +18 more

City & Guilds NPTC Level 2 Award in Branch Removal and Crown Breakdown using a Chainsaw

This subtopic focuses on the practical skills required to safely remove branches and dismantle tree crowns using a chainsaw from the ground or an elevated platform. Learners must apply cutting techniques to control branch sections, observe safe working practices, and manage hazards as per current industry legislation and good practice. Competence in this area is essential for arboricultural operations and is assessed through practical demonstration of sequential breakdown cuts, appropriate use of aids, and adherence to risk assessment protocols.

Remove branches and breakdown crowns using a chainsaw

11 guidance points

City & Guilds NPTC Level 2 Award In Forest Machine Operations - Drainage or Mounding

This subtopic focuses on the safe and efficient preparation and operation of specialist forest machinery for drainage and mounding operations. Learners must demonstrate competence in conducting pre-use checks, machine setup, and operational techniques that conform to site plans and environmental constraints. Mastery ensures minimal ground disturbance and compliance with industry standards for forestry establishment.

Prepare and Operate Machinery for Drainage or Mounding

226 guidance points29 criteria

City & Guilds Level 1 Certificate in Work-based Land-Based Operations

This subtopic equips learners with the fundamental practical skills required to support the cleaning and maintenance of animal accommodation in land-based settings. It covers the selection and safe use of cleaning equipment and agents, adherence to hygiene and biosecurity protocols, and the ability to identify and rectify minor structural or equipment faults. These competencies are essential for ensuring animal welfare and operational efficiency in entry-level roles across farms, kennels, catteries, animal shelters, and other animal care environments.

Assist with animal accommodation, Assist with the movement of animals, Assist with the transport supplies of physical resources within the work area +26 more

City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Work-based Horticulture

This element covers the essential skills and knowledge for effective crop harvesting in a work-based horticulture setting. Learners must demonstrate competence in assessing crop readiness, selecting and maintaining appropriate tools and equipment, and performing harvesting operations safely while adhering to environmental good practice and current legislation. Practical application involves integrating health and safety responsibilities, minimising waste and soil damage, and ensuring harvested produce meets quality specifications for the market.

Carry out harvesting operations, Establish and maintain artificial plant displays, Establish and maintain conditions appropriate to the welfare of animals +47 more

387 guidance points50 criteria

City & Guilds NPTC Level 2 Award in Forest Machine Operations - Forwarder

This subtopic focuses on the competent operation of a forwarder, covering pre-start checks, safe driving on varied forest terrain, precise manoeuvring in confined spaces, and compliance with health and safety legislation. Mastery ensures efficient timber extraction while minimising environmental impact and machine wear.

Prepare, drive and manoeuvre forwarder

City & Guilds NPTC Level 2 Award In the Safe Use of Brush-cutters and Trimmers

This element covers the essential knowledge and skills for safe and effective operation of brushcutters and trimmers in land-based industries. It focuses on pre-use checks, risk assessment, correct PPE selection, maintenance routines, and proficient cutting techniques to ensure operator safety and environmental compliance. Practical application includes vegetation management, verge maintenance, and landscaped area upkeep.

Trimmer and Brushcutter Operations

236 guidance points29 criteria

City & Guilds Level 1 Diploma in Work-based Land-Based Operations

This subtopic develops essential skills in supporting the upkeep of animal housing within land-based operations. Learners focus on practical techniques for cleaning enclosures, managing waste, and performing minor maintenance to uphold animal welfare and biosecurity standards. Competence in this area is critical for entry-level roles where assisting with daily husbandry routines ensures a safe and hygienic environment.

Assist with animal accommodation, Assist with the movement of animals, Assist with the transport supplies of physical resources within the work area +26 more

City & Guilds NPTC Level 2 Award In Safe Use of Manually Fed Wood-chipper

This subtopic covers the essential preparatory and operational procedures for the safe use of a manually fed wood-chipper, emphasising risk assessment, site setup, machine checks, and correct feeding techniques. It equips learners with the competence to prevent accidents and maintain equipment, ensuring compliance with industry safety standards and legal requirements.

Prepare and Operate a wood-chipper

30 guidance points3 criteria

City & Guilds NPTC Level 2 Award in Forest Machine Operations - Base Machine with Felling and Processing

This element covers the essential skills for safely preparing and operating a base machine in forestry operations. It includes pre-use checks, starting, maneuvering, and shutting down procedures, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. Mastery of these foundational skills is critical for efficient and safe forest machine operations.

Prepare and Operate a Base Machine, Prepare and operate machinery to fell trees , Prepare and operate machinery to process trees

City & Guilds NPTC Level 2 Award in Forest Machine Operations - Processing

This element focuses on the safe and efficient preparation and operation of forest machinery for processing felled trees, including pre-start checks, maneuvering, and processing techniques. Learners must demonstrate competence in aligning machinery with industry standards and health and safety legislation, ensuring productivity while minimizing environmental impact and personal risk.

Prepare and operate machinery to process trees

148 guidance points19 criteria

City & Guilds Level 1 Award in Work-Based Land-based Operations

This subtopic focuses on the practical skills required to safely and effectively assist with the cleaning and day-to-day maintenance of animal accommodation within a land-based context. Learners will demonstrate competence in using appropriate tools and products while adhering to biosecurity protocols, thereby ensuring animal welfare and compliance with workplace health and safety standards.

Assist with animal accommodation, Hedgelaying, Historic Landscapes +16 more

City & Guilds NPTC Level 2 Award In the Safe Use of Stump Grinders

This subtopic equips learners with the knowledge and practical skills to safely prepare and operate a stump grinder, encompassing site risk assessment, pre-use checks, and correct operational techniques. It emphasises compliance with health and safety legislation and manufacturer guidelines, ensuring effective stump removal while minimising risks to people, property, and the environment.

Prepare and Operate a Stump Grinder

City & Guilds NPTC Level 2 Award in Forest Machine Operations - Base Machine

This topic covers safe operation of a base machine in forestry, including preparation, driving, and knowledge of health and safety legislation. Learners will demonstrate practical skills and theoretical understanding.

Prepare and Operate a Base Machine

City & Guilds NPTC Level 2 Award In The Safe Use of Mobile Elevated Work Platform

This subtopic covers the essential procedures for safely preparing, operating, and transporting a Mobile Elevated Work Platform (MEWP) in horticulture and land management settings. Learners must demonstrate competence in conducting pre-use checks, maneuvering the platform in various conditions, and securing it for transport, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations and manufacturer guidelines. Practical application includes tasks such as tree work, maintenance, and construction at height, where proper use prevents accidents and equipment damage.

Safe use of a mobile elevated work platform

111 guidance points15 criteria

City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Work-based Floristry

This element explores the critical role of employee-customer interactions in shaping public perception of a floristry business, emphasizing that every point of contact either strengthens or weakens the organisation's reputation. It also examines the rationale behind customer service protocols—such as complaint handling, sales procedures, and communication standards—which ensure consistency, professionalism, and legal compliance. Mastery involves applying these protocols in real floristry settings to build trust, loyalty, and positive working relationships with clients.

Building Working Relationships with Customers, Plan, assemble and evaluate diverse funeral designs, Plan, assemble and evaluate diverse tied floristry designs +12 more

City & Guilds NPTC Level 2 Award In Forest Machine Operations - Skidder

This element focuses on the safe and efficient preparation and operation of a skidder in forest machine operations. Learners must demonstrate competence in conducting pre-start inspections, understanding relevant health and safety legislation, and applying correct operating techniques to extract timber while minimizing environmental impact. Mastery of these skills ensures compliance with industry good practice and legal requirements for skidder use in forestry settings.

Prepare and Operate a Skidder

10 guidance points

City & Guilds NPTC Level 2 Award In the Safe Use of Handheld Leaf Blowers and Vacuums

This subtopic equips learners with the knowledge and practical competence to safely operate handheld leaf blowers and vacuums in line with current legislation and environmental good practice. It covers pre-use checks and maintenance, conducting site-specific risk assessments, correct operational techniques, post-use procedures, and proper cleaning and storage. Mastery ensures efficient grounds maintenance while minimising risks to operators, the public, and the environment.

Handheld Leaf Blower or Vacuum Operations

City & Guilds NPTC Level 2 Award In the Safe Use of Shredders in Amenity Operations

This element covers the practical skills and underpinning knowledge required to safely operate and maintain chippers and shredders in amenity operations. Learners must demonstrate competence in pre-use checks, safe operating procedures, and routine maintenance, while adhering to relevant health and safety legislation and environmental practices such as noise control, dust suppression, and waste management.

Use and maintain chippers and/or shredders

402 guidance points50 criteria

City & Guilds NPTC Level 2 Award In Forest Machine Operations - Processing Timber (Mobile)

This subtopic focuses on the safe and efficient preparation and operation of mobile machinery for processing timber in forestry environments. Learners must demonstrate competence in selecting, carrying out pre-use checks, and manoeuvring machinery to position it correctly for processing tasks, while adhering to health and safety legislation and industry best practice. Practical application includes cross-cutting timber to specification, managing brash, and maintaining situational awareness of site hazards.

Prepare and Operate Machinery to Process Timber

10 guidance points

City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma In Work-based Trees and Timber

This element covers the essential skills and knowledge required to safely ascend, position, and descend a tree using rope and harness techniques. Learners will apply industry-standard climbing methods, equipment inspection protocols, and risk assessments in line with health and safety legislation. Mastery ensures safe and efficient access for tree work operations, minimizing risks to self and others.

Access a tree using a rope and harness , Clear sites for planting, Communicate with the public and others +47 more

City & Guilds NPTC Level 2 Award in Forest Machine Operations - Static Loader

This subtopic addresses the critical competencies for preparing and safely operating a static loader in forestry and land-based industries. It encompasses pre-operational checks, efficient load handling, and strict adherence to health and safety legislation. Mastery ensures operational efficiency while minimising environmental harm and maintaining workplace safety.

Prepare and Operate a Loader

50 guidance points6 criteria

City & Guilds Level 2 Award In Safe Application of Pesticides Using Self Propelled, Mounted or Trailed Horizontal Boom Sprayers

This subtopic focuses on the safe and effective operation of horizontal boom sprayers for pesticide application, covering pre-operational checks, calibration, environmental risk assessment, and post-operational procedures. Candidates must demonstrate competence in interpreting product labels, complying with legal requirements, and adjusting equipment to achieve accurate application rates while minimizing environmental impact. Mastery ensures pesticides are applied efficiently within legislative frameworks such as the Plant Protection Products (Sustainable Use) Regulations 2012.

Operating Mounted, Trailed and Self Propelled Air/Fluid Nozzle Horizontal Boom Sprayers, Operating Mounted or Trailed Wick Type Applicators, Operating Mounted, Trailed and Self Propelled Downward Air Assisted Horizontal Boom Sprayers +3 more

City & Guilds Level 3 Certificate in Work-based Horticulture

This subtopic equips learners with the knowledge of key consumer protection laws such as the Consumer Rights Act 2015, and the practical skills to apply them in a garden centre or nursery setting. It emphasizes accurate product descriptions, handling refunds, and ensuring plant health and safety compliance. Mastery ensures legal compliance and enhanced customer trust.

Apply consumer legislation in a horticultural retail environment, Conduct and report on a field survey for plants, Deal with accidents and emergencies involving children and young people during environmental activities +47 more

413 guidance points50 criteria

City & Guilds Level 3 Award in Work-based Horticulture

This element focuses on the systematic collection and analysis of site data critical for horticultural planning and management. Learners must demonstrate competence in using appropriate tools and techniques to assess soil, climate, topography, drainage, and existing vegetation, then interpret this information to make informed decisions about plant selection, cultivation methods, and site development. Mastery includes integrating environmental and physical factors to evaluate site suitability and constraints.

Assess the characteristics of sites, Manage site clearance and preparation for planting, Monitor and adjust watering systems for crops or plants +37 more

326 guidance points40 criteria

City & Guilds Level 2 Award In The Safe Application of Pesticides Using Pedestrian Hand Held Equipment

This element covers the correct and safe installation of pesticide plugs into tree stumps to control regrowth and prevent disease. It includes understanding legal requirements such as COSHH and pesticide regulations, conducting site-specific environmental assessments, interpreting product labels for accurate dosage calculation, and performing the practical application. Post-operational procedures ensure equipment is decontaminated and records are maintained to comply with industry standards.

Installing Pesticide Plugs in Tree Stumps, Operating Hand Held Pesticide Injection Equipment, Operating Other Hand Held Applicators Requiring Minimal Calibration +5 more

72 guidance points8 criteria

City & Guilds NPTC Level 2 Award In the Safe Use of Forestry Clearing Saw

This subtopic covers the essential practical skills and underpinning knowledge required to safely prepare and operate a forestry clearing saw. Learners will focus on conducting site-specific risk assessments, selecting and adjusting appropriate personal protective equipment, and performing pre-start checks and routine maintenance. Successful completion demonstrates competence in handling the equipment correctly to minimize environmental impact and personal injury while achieving effective vegetation clearance.

Prepare and Operate a Clearing Saw