Training

Giles Landscapes believe that in-house training is a vital part of a professional workforce.

NVQ training in conjunction with the College of West Anglia and Cambridge Regional College.

We have a strong relationship with these two colleges and the supportive approach from assessors ensures our staff complete their training efficiently and effectively. Our aim is to ensure our staff are qualified up to NVQ Level 4. NVQ’s undertaken include Business and Administration, Agriculture and Horticulture Management and Amenity Horticulture.

Staff currently being trained 
3 employees studying NVQ 2 Amenity Horticulture
2 employees studying NVQ 3 Business and Administration
6 employees studying NVQ 3 in Amenity Horticulture

Other qualifications include:

CITB/CSCS Health and Safety for all Operatives/Supervisors/Designers/Managers
NPTC PA1/PA6 Safe Use of pesticides
NPTC Chainsaw and Related Operations
CITB Operating Plant
NPTC Wood chipping
NPTC Climb Trees and Perform Aerial Rescue
ARC RTITB/ITSSAR Lift Truck Training
First Aid
IPAE Scissor Lift and Self Propelled Boom
Decorative Horticulture Level 2

Qualified Individuals

BTEC National Diploma in Landscape Design, construction and Maintenance
BTEC National Diploma in Rural Studies
BTEC National Diploma in Amenity Horticulture
Environmental Awareness
City and Guilds Level 1 Amenity Horticulture
National Certificate in Amenity Horticulture

Training History

The in-house training Giles Landscapes’ staff receives has served as a solid foundation for staff throughout the years. Beginning in the late 1980’s with full time and day release training at the Isle College Wisbech and then in the 90’s through to the present day with in house NVQ training in association with the College of West Anglia and Cambridge Regional College.

This was boosted by the European funded ‘Adapt’ initiative fuelling staff with a desire for improved education. This initiative added a fun element to the training from video links to trips to the Douro Valley, Barcelona and the Loire Valley to observe landscaping methods and to interact with our counterparts abroad.

This boosted the enthusiasm of the staff and had a knock on effect on the company’s success. Our projects started to win awards which in turn boosted enthusiasm further.

The on-going training programme at Giles Landscapes has meant that operatives with no academic qualifications on leaving school have been able to better themselves academically thus improving their employment potential as well as firing up an enthusiasm for the work they do within the company.

Giles Landscape’s training has also helped greatly in the retention of employees – three of which who started on the training schemes back in the 80’s are now in management positions within the company and many others are currently working their way up to supervisor level.

Other employees have gone on to work in landscaping abroad currently working in Las Vegas and Australia.