|
|
 HORTICULTUREHORTICULTURE
LAND BASED SKILLS
This T.O.P. course on land based skills includes Arboriculture, Horticulture and Landscaping with two, week long recesses between modules. People can join the course at this time.
Each module can be taken independently or all three modules can be elected.
The course is based at the Workcentre and at various off-site locations as
course needs and circumstances warrant.
The main tutor for the course, Peter Finlayson, has a National Diploma in Horticulture, completed his apprenticeship with Parks and Reserves, and works on native re-vegetation and landscape restoration and beautification projects.
Peter, an enthusiastic tutor who enjoys passing on his knowledge, has taught part time on
Nelson Polytechnic Courses in Golden Bay and on previous
T.O.P. courses.
Other tutors are brought in to teach specialist units.
Some things you will learn on this course...
- Arboriculture: identification of tree types and their uses, appropriate siting, climate and soil factors, pruning and propagation, orchards, woodlots and woodlands, commercial value of trees, shelterbelts.
- Practical Landscaping: perennial and shrub borders, trees and shrubs, restoring tired landscapes, appropriate plant choices, working with stone and brick, design, pruning and propagation techniques, plant identification, controlling weeds and pests, maintenance, art in the landscape.
- Horticulture: principles of organic growing, composting, mulching, worms, weed
and pest prevention, propagation techniques, garden design, permaculture, gardening
knowledge on the internet, tool care, food preparation, plant identification, soils and
what they teach us, fertilizers.
- Environmental awareness
- Visits to local gardens, smallholdings, forestry venture, and domestic orchards.
- Industry visits and work experience.
- Health and safety in the workplace.
- Basic tool use and maintenance.
- Self-employment skills.
- Skills to enhance employment opportunities.
- Visits to nurseries and suppliers of plants for all uses.
Small Business Management & Marketing
- Understanding the basics of establishing a small business and how this relates to land based skills and activities.
- Skills for living.
- NZQA (Generic) Core Skills Units (up to level 2) are taught, offering skills for personal growth, group situations, pre-employment and safety in the work place.
- The course also includes NZQA, Level 2, Horticulture Units up to level 3.
- This course is practically based, with hands-on experience, team projects and field trips. Practical sessions are followed by group discussions and information sharing.
- Students can gain a Foundation Certificate in Horticulture (level 2)
If you are interested in being part of the next creative group of people contact us now. |
