SVQ Production Horticulture SCQF level 6

This qualification has entered its lapsing period and will finish on 31/07/2024.

This SVQ Production Horticulture SCQF level 6 allows learners to demonstrate competence in their particular area of work. It covers areas such as: monitoring and controlling the growth of plants, co-ordinating the provision of water and nutrients to crops or plants; promoting and monitoring health, safety and security; managing resources; identifying and naming plants using their botanical names; and co-ordinating the control of pests, diseases and disorders.

Designed in partnership with the Sector Skills Council Lantra, this SVQ gives learners an internationally recognised qualification that guarantees they have the skills, knowledge and abilities to carry out their role successfully.

The SVQ 3 in Production Horticulture is available through employers and training providers.

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Why deliver this qualification

SVQs are based on National Occupational Standards. SQA works in partnership with other organisations to ensure that National Occupational Standards (NOS) are relevant to the current and future needs of Scottish industries.

The SVQ 3 in Production Horticulture at SCQF level 6 is a re-accredited qualification.

Assessment is normally carried out in the workplace, which minimises any time learners would need to be away from their work and allows learners to generate evidence based on the actual work they are carrying out.

Learners can progress to qualifications including a range of Horticulture Higher National Certificates and Diplomas (HNCs and HNDs).

The SVQ can be offered in any of the following modes:

  • full-time
  • part-time (eg day-release)
  • open and distance learning

The achievement of other qualifications such as the National Certificate in Horticulture at SCQF level 5 can contribute towards the underpinning knowledge required for the SVQ.

Who does this qualification suit

This SVQ is suitable for:

  • learners who may have just left school
  • individuals who are currently in employment and who wish to obtain a formal qualification
  • employees who wish to obtain short, continuing professional development courses

Access

Entry is at the discretion of the centre.

Candidates should be in a job or placement where they are carrying out relevant tasks and responsibilities which allow then to gather the required evidence.

No prior qualifications are required to undertake this qualification, although experience in/knowledge of subject would be an advantage.

 

Progression

The level 6 award could provide progression to:

  • an HNC/HND in Horticulture or a related area
  • degree-level study at a higher education institution
  • employment in the horticulture/landscaping sector at a supervisory level

Approval

Centres with devolved authority for approval should use their own internal approval process.

Centres without devolved authority will have to come forward for approval and should contact SQA's Business Development Team for guidance.

Assessors and verifiers must be able to meet SQA's general requirements for technical/occupational competence as outlined in the Guide to Approval.

How to assess

For general information on how to assess this qualification, please refer to the document Guidance on how to assess SVQs. For detailed guidance on how to assess this particular SVQ, please refer to the Assessment Strategy.

Where can you take this course?

Qualification content and delivery tools

Information about the qualification(s)

Qualification Structure

SVQ 3 Production Horticulture at SCQF level 6

Group Award code: GH7N 23

The SVQ 3 Production Horticulture at SCQF level 6 consists of eight mandatory Units and four optional Units.

For details of the Units making up the SVQ, please refer to the Qualification Structure (104 KB).

National Occupational Standards

National Occupational Standards

Unit information for this qualification is available on our Accredited Qualification Unit Search

Unit information for this qualification is available on our Unit Search.

Core Skills signposting

Core Skill mappings are carried out by the SSC responsible for the development of an SVQ. It is a requirement of SQA Accreditation that every SVQ submission includes information on where possible opportunities for candidates to develop Core Skills exist across the mandatory units.

Centres should note that mappings are not audited or validated against the Core Skills framework/units so are not accepted by SQA awarding body as evidence towards achievement of the Core Skills units.

Information about delivery, assessment, quality assurance and support material

Assessment strategy

Assessment Strategy (72 KB)

Assessor's guidelines

Candidate Guidance and Portfolio