New Horticulture Degree!

An important new qualification for the garden centre sector has just received university validation. Developed by former garden centre director, Ken Crafer, the foundation degree in retail horticulture management has been designed from the very beginning with the input of business.
 
Ken, who is Academy Head at Kingston Maurward College in Dorset explains; “Garden centres have been neglected with respect to formal qualifications for too long, having been involved in the industry for 25 years, I wanted to ensure that there was a way of developing the next generation of managers and supervisors”.

The course, validated by Bournemouth University, has been designed for supervisors and managers to study from within their workplace with additional ‘masterclass’ sessions hosted by well respected retailers around the country. Participants will have the opportunity to see the very best of garden centre retailing.
 
While the qualification has a horticultural flavour, it has been designed to be retailed focused, developing customer service, buying and management skills.
 
Backed by both the HTA and GCA, study time is targeted away from peak trading times rather than simply meeting the timetable of an academic year. To this end, students will access online resources designed specifically for the programme and uniquely, access to weekly sales data- ensuring that online discussion sessions are ‘right up to the minute’.
 
Ken adds “having worked at a senior management level within garden centres, I realise how much responsibility is delegated to relatively inexperienced staff. Equipping them with the skills to make the appropriate decisions will help create many thousands of pounds for their business”.

The first intake for the foundation degree commences in October and will act as an ideal follow on for the HTA’s new diploma in garden retail qualification in which there has been close collaboration. Ken also states that entry would be suitable for those who have already completed the existing retail plant care or shop care awards or are currently working in supervisory or management roles.
 
What makes the course special?
 

• ‘Masterclass’ workshop sessions held at some of the best garden retailers around the country.
• Additional materials available on-line and accessible within the student’s own workplace.
• Delivered by subject specialists, headed by Ken Crafer as programme leader, and utilising up to the minute sales data.
• Timed to suit the industry, the full qualification takes three years and is designed to work around peak trading periods.
• Specialist projects allow students to make and impact directly upon their business.

Further details are available from
Kingston Maurward College
Email: garden.centre@kmc.ac.uk