You are here: training / horticulture

Environmental Options & Horticulture

New Horizons Partnership has a comprehensive range of NVQ training programmes aimed at addressing the growing demand for such training among individuals participating in the environmental option of the "New Deal", promoted by the Department of Further & Higher Education, Training and Employment (formerly the T&EA).

All sites also offer training opportunities for learning disabled clients within an integrated setting. Where possible, disabled and non-disabled groups are given the opportunity to train together within a work setting. This commitment to integration with society for those with disabilities is one of the core principles behind the New Horizons Partnership.

1. Commercial Horticulture
NVQs in commercial horticulture offer the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills which are applicable to a garden centre or nursery setting. Commercial horticulture, also known as Intensive Crop Production, is available at NVQ levels 1 & 2.

2. Environmental Conservation
This option allows you to learn skills which can be used to manage the natural landscapes and ecosystems found in the countryside around us. Such skills are often needed by employers such as landscapers, councils or conservation organisations. Environmental conservation, also known as Landscapes & Ecosystems, is available at NVQ level 2.

3. Amenity Horticulture
NVQs in amenity horticulture provide the opportunity to develop skills that are applicable to landscape gardening and grounds maintenance. Also known as Decorative Horticulture, this programme is available at both NVQ levels 1 & 2.

Training takes place in Strabane and Derry. Here are staff from both sites.

	Johnny Mitchell manages the Glenside Strabane site together with Iris Black, who delivers training to clients on site.
George Hawthorne manages the Ashbrook Londonderry site.			Nicola Cummings works on both the Strabane and Londonderry sites.

Individuals interested in undertaking training within the various horticultural programmes can join the programme through referral from their allocated "New Deal" training provider within the local consortiums in the Derry and Strabane areas.

We have arrangements in place with many of the recognised training organisations (RTOs), some of which are listed below. We are also keen to facilitate any other referring organisation in the North West currently not availing of their services.

• Enterprise Ulster
• Strabane & District Caring Services
• Waterside Churches Training Company
• Conservation Volunteers Northern Ireland
• Springhill Community Development Association
• Strabane & District Community Work Programme Ltd.
• Strabane Community Unemployed Resource Centre
• Strabane Community Development Programme
• Fountain Street Community Group
• Customised Training Services
• Training Direct
• Cairde