HortAbility

Free horticulture course for people with disabilities

Hortability is a bespoke programme designed by Central YMCA and the Monday Charitable Trust to engage, support and train disabled people to start a career in the horticulture industry.

With its first two cohorts in Salford, the programme is tailored to meet individual needs, with a reduced tutor-to-learner ratio, shorter days and specialised equipment. You will gain a good basic understanding of the horticulture industry while getting practical gardening skills in a realistic setting. You could go into a fulfilling career working in a wide-range of places from sports grounds to garden centres.

 

What does the course cover?

The programme involves participating in a Practical Horticulture Skills course, a ten-day course designed to give you the skills, knowledge and confidence to begin your career as a horticulturist.

The course will lead to a nationally recognised City & Guilds qualification, the Level 1 Award in Practical Horticulture Skills.

You’ll learn a variety of skills such as:

  • Turf care and identifying weeds
  • Plant production and care for a planted area
  • Pruning techniques for a variety of plants
  • Applying fertilisers
  • Preparing soil and applying an organic mulch
  • Preparing and planting a hanging basket

For your assessment, you'll give practical demonstrations of the skills you learned throughout the course.

Prerequisites

To enrol you must be:

  • disabled
  • over 18 years old
  • unemployed
  • interested in horticulture/gardening
  • able to complete a pre-course assessment

Course dates

Duration:
10-weeks (one day per week)

Next course starts:

Spring 2022
 

Venue

RHS Garden Bridgewater
Occupation Rd
Worsley
Manchester
M28 2LJ

Get directions via Google Maps

“This course has got me motivated. Before the course, I was sat inside the house 24/7. I’ve enjoyed getting out of the house the most and meeting different people. I like chatting with other learners and helping them if they’re struggling. I want to get a job that’s anything to do with gardening.”

James - Hortability student, who is hearing impaired

What are you waiting for? Apply now!

Hortability enquiry

Data protection

We will use these details to respond to your enquiry. Our Privacy Policy sets out how we will use and look after your data. If you would like to be contacted in the future about other services that may be of interest, please select the option below. You can opt out at any time by contacting Central YMCA.