Develop practical farm animal care skills alongside ICT, independent project work and enterprise activities. This City & Guilds qualification combines meaningful hands-on experience with supportive classroom learning and assessment.
Designed with younger learners in mind, typically aged 11–13, the course helps build confidence, responsibility, communication and practical skills in a real working farm environment.
Our City & Guilds Entry Level 3 Certificate in Skills for Working Life – Land Based (Land and Plants) develops horticulture and conservation skills through practical, supervised activities on the farm.
Learners explore plant care, growing, wildlife habitats and outdoor maintenance while developing confidence, independence, digital skills and the ability to plan and carry out projects. Our selected programme includes 11 units totalling 23 credits.
We recommend this course for learners aged approximately 11–13 who enjoy gardening, nature, conservation and hands-on outdoor learning. It may suit home-educated learners and those who benefit from a supportive, practical learning environment.
No previous qualifications are required. We consider individual suitability, interests, support requirements and the learner's readiness to meet the assessment criteria safely with appropriate guidance.
Successful learners may progress to Level 1 Practical Horticulture Skills or other suitable land-based qualifications, depending on their abilities, interests and readiness.
Our programme combines three preparing-for-work units (9 credits) with eight horticulture and conservation units (14 credits).
Unit 306 – Candidate Project (3 credits): Plan, complete and review a project linked to plants, growing or wildlife.
Unit 310 – Enterprise Activity (3 credits): Take part in a practical enterprise activity, such as growing plants for a small sale.
Unit 313 – Introduction to ICT (3 credits): Develop basic digital skills to support learning, projects and communication.
Unit 345 – Recognise Trees and Plants and Their Importance to Wildlife (2 credits): Explore familiar plants and their value to wildlife.
Unit 347 – Maintain an Area of Habitat (3 credits): Help care for an outdoor habitat using appropriate tools and methods.
Unit 348 – Plant Young Trees (2 credits): Prepare and plant trees using suitable techniques.
Unit 350 – Recognise Parts of Plants (1 credit): Identify key plant structures and their functions.
Unit 351 – Harvest a Crop (2 credits): Take part in harvesting suitable crops grown at the farm.
Unit 352 – Insert Plant Material (1 credit): Practise inserting plant material using the methods required by the unit.
Unit 353 – Control Weeds in a Planted Area (2 credits): Identify and manage weeds using safe, age-appropriate methods.
Unit 355 – Water Plant Material by Hand (1 credit): Water plants correctly and monitor their needs.
Learners use the farm's growing beds, orchard and outdoor areas to put their knowledge into practice. Seasonal activities, short teaching sessions, practical demonstrations and supervised assessments help learners build skills and independence.
Attend one day per week at the farm over an academic year, combining practical horticulture and conservation activities with ICT, project work, enterprise activities and portfolio evidence. Timetables are confirmed before enrolment.
Personalised sessions may be available for learners who benefit from a quieter environment or individual support. Attendance and duration are planned around the learner's needs and qualification requirements.
Where suitable, ICT, project planning and other knowledge-based activities may be completed remotely alongside supervised practical sessions and assessments at the farm. Independent home study does not automatically count towards guided learning hours.
Assessment is through a portfolio of evidence, which may include tutor observations, practical tasks, projects, worksheets, discussions, photographs and digital work. Practical skills must be demonstrated in a realistic working environment.
There is no single final written examination. Learners must meet the assessment criteria for each unit, with appropriate support and reasonable adjustments where permitted.
After completing the Entry Level 3 Certificate, suitable progression opportunities may include:
Develop a broader range of plant care and practical horticulture skills.
Progress towards a larger practical horticulture qualification.
Discover further animal care, horticulture and land-based learning routes.
Progression depends on each learner’s achievements, abilities, interests and readiness for the next level.
Practical Education Beyond the Classroom
Providing practical, farm-based education, recognised qualifications and alternative learning opportunities at Frampton Farm in Kent and Poppies Farm in Berkshire, helping young people develop confidence, independence and skills for the future.
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Fees & Funding
Course Fees
Fees vary by learning centre and delivery option. Small-group, individual and hybrid arrangements are subject to availability, with fees and payment terms confirmed before enrolment.
City & Guilds registration and certification charges may apply.
Privately Funded Places
Parents and carers can enquire directly about a place, subject to suitability and availability.
School & Local Authority Funding
Schools and local authorities may commission suitable vocational placements, including alternative provision or agreed EOTAS arrangements. Funding must be agreed with the commissioning organisation.
Enquire About Fees
Contact your preferred learning centre for current availability, delivery arrangements and costs.