The purpose of this award is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence to use a range of horticulture hand and power tools and equipment safely and effectively in a supervised environment

ASSESSMENT

All learning outcomes

Portfolio / Collection of Work 20%

Skills Demonstration 80%

The purpose of this award is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence to identify, select, use and maintain commonly used horticultural tools and equipment.

1 List common tools and equipment used in horticultural

operations and workshops to include their primary use and

hazards associated with their use

2 Describe safe operating practices for a range of tools and

equipment to include both hand and power

3 Prepare power hand tools and equipment for use to include

using appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), prestarting

safety checks, mixing fuel, checking for leaks and

damage while adhering to manufacturers' recommendations and

operators' manuals

4 Use a range of hand tools safely including a hoe, rake, fork and

spade

5 Use power hand tools safely including a two-stroke engine

powered strimmer and a hedge cutter

6 Operate a pedestrian rotovator, scarifier, knapsack sprayer,

mechanised raker, pedestrian mower, ride-on mower, trailing

mower and compact-type tractor mower

7 Maintain all equipment while in use to include setting height of

cut, removing blade for maintenance, sharpening blade,

refuelling, replacing cord or gut as needed, and maintaining

lubrication and filters

8 Prepare tools and equipment for storage to include cleaning and

storage procedures maintain a safe working environment including safety standards

regarding lifting, carrying and handling plants, tools and equipment.

Learners will understand the following after successful completion of the course

• Be familiar with Tractor Controls, gauges and safety devices
• Be capable of carrying out basic pre-operation checks on tractor
• Be capable of starting, driving, stopping and parking tractor safely
• Be able to attach and reverse trailer
• Be able to attach P.T.O driven implement to three point linkage and operate it safely

• Be familiar with pesticides used in the industry, legislation

relating to the use of these products

• Be able to demonstrate best practice in relation to storage,

handling, mixing, application and disposal of pesticide and tank

mixing.

• Fully understand the health and safety requirements in relation to

storage, handling, application and disposal of pesticides

• Fully understand the environmental requirements relating to

storage, handling, mixing, application and disposal of pesticidesbe familiar with pesticides used in the industry, legislation relating to the use of these products

Unit 1 Introduction to Pesticides

Learners should be able to:

Understand the use of Pesticides in the industry and in their place of employment

Explain the decision making procedure in the place of employment for use of pesticides

Distinguish between pesticides and other substances in place of employment

Outline the main types of Pesticides on the market

Unit 2 Storage Handling and Mixing Requirements

Learners should be able to:

Illustrate what is required by way of storage for pesticides

Understand the security requirements for access to pesticides in relation to the following requirements:

- environmental

- food safety

- health and safety

- legislative

Understand procedure for decision making in relation to amount of pesticide to be applied

calculate correct amount of pesticide required for use in any application job

measure the correct amount of pesticide, water and any other mix required for the application as per instructions

record all details of the mixture accurately

correctly clean all measuring equipment

understand requirements of disposal of empty containers

understand requirements for personal protective equipment

(PPE)while handling, mixing and applying pesticides demonstrate correct use of PPE

identify emergency procedures required for working with pesticides

understand risk assessments relating to pesticides

interpret hazard warning symbols

Unit 3 Application of Pesticides

Learners should be able to:

set up sprayer to deliver correct amount of product

calibrate sprayer to ensure delivery of correct amount of product

plan the spraying operation to ensure all crop area is covered accurately

understand correct field operating procedures

understand requirements for correct recording of field operations

demonstrate correct disposal and cleaning operation of spraying equipment

understand maintenance requirements during spraying operation

such as:

- nozzle cleaning

- filter cleaning

- repairing leaks in pipe work

- pressure variations

identify correct weather conditions required for application of pesticides

summarize risks to other workers and general public during operations

understand first aid requirements relating to pesticides

Unit 4 Environmental Requirements

Learners should be able to:

understand application of integrated pest management principles to application of pesticides

demonstrate correct procedure for dealing with spillages

illustrate how contamination can occur during operations

outline environmental requirements relating to handling,

storage, mixing, transport and application

understand buffer zones and their use in reducing contamination of watercourses

identify emergency procedures relating to environmental Incidents

Unit 5 Legislation relating to the use of pesticides

Learners should be able to:

name the sources of information where current legislation can be found

understand pesticide approval procedure and labelling requirements

understand mrl’s legislation and enforcement

define the role of Pesticide Control Service

understand the requirements of Cross Compliance and Single

Farm payment Scheme in relation to pesticide usage

Purpose

The purpose of this award is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence to maintain and repair sports surfaces.

Learning Outcomes

Learners will be able to:

1 Explain the features of water based, sand dressed, sand filled

and rubber filled synthetic surfaces

2 Describe how season, weather and soil conditions affect the type

and frequency of maintenance operations

3 Make markings on sports surfaces appropriate for a range of

sporting events

4 Set out sports equipment appropriate for the rules of the sport

and the standard of the event

5 Prepare playing surfaces so that they meet the quality and

appearance requirements of each sport and event

6 Prepare sports surfaces, including selection and maintenance of

appropriate equipment, by using a range of the following

techniques:

- mowing

- irrigating

- scarifying

- verticutting

- rolling

- top dressing

- brushing

- switching

- aerating

- edging

- feeding

7 Use a range of renovation and repair methods safely and

correctly including the following:

- Over-seeding

- Patching or plugging

- Forking up

- Divotting

8 Use equipment safely and in compliance with manufacturers

Instructions

9 Operate appropriate safety procedures to create and maintain a

safe working environment including safety standards regarding

lifting, carrying and handling plants, tools and equipment.

The purpose of this award is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence to establish, grow and maintain an area of amenity turfgrass under supervision.

Learners will be able to:

1 State the major factors affecting soil suitability for establishing

turfgrass to include soil composition, nutrient availability, water

holding capacity, drainage, organic matter content and

compaction

2 Establish an area of turfgrass by seed sowing at a stated rate

and density

3 Establish an area of turfgrass by using sods

4 Operate a range of turfgrass machinery to include four-stroke

petrol rotary and cylinder mowers, hollow tiner and scarifier to

ensure minimun overlap

5 Apply fertiliser with a fertiliser spreader to include setting the

spreader to apply a given rate of fertiliser

6 Use a strimmer or edging shears to edge an area of turfgrass

7 Apply herbicide and pesticide to an area of turfgrass

8 Water turfgrass using a range of methods to include monitoring

irrigation and drainage where appropriate

9 Identify problems in an area of established turfgrass to include:

- weeds

- worm casts

- colour

- smoothness and density of sward

All learning outcomes must be assessed by

Skills Demonstration 80%

Examination - Theory 20%

001 - Turf establishment using turfs and Renovation

Students will learn about the appropriate use and safe use of handtools

Students will learn how to repair damaged turf areas with hand tools   and divot mix

Students will learn how to repair goalmouth areas

Students will learn how to cut turf, place turf and aftercare of newly laid turf.

002 - Mow Amenity Turf

Students will learn the safe use of mowers

Students will learn the pre-start checks, operational use & basic maintenance and after care use of a mower

003 - Setting out and Line marking out

Students will learn the safe use & maintenance of a line marking machine

Students will learn how to mark out a squared out rectangle ensuring each corner is 90 degrees

Students will learn about the use of appropriate linemarking substances and the mixing ratio to use in the line marking machine

004 - Fertiliser Calibration & Application

Students will learn the safe use of fertilisers

Students will learn how to calibrate Fert. Spreaders to ensure accurate applications

Students will learn appropriate methods of application and choice of products for Sportsturf surfaces

Learners will understand the following after successful completion of the course

• Be able to understand the factors governing grass growth
• Be able to identify grasses
• Be able to identify and plant trees
• Be able to identify and plant shrubs
• Be able to identify and plant bedding and hedging

• Understand the importance of soil management in the production of turfgrass playing surfaces
• Be able to correctly apply fertilisers
• Understand how weather affects the management and use of turfgrass playing surfaces
• Recognise pest and disease outbreaks
• Recognise the components of an irrigation system and areas of impeded Drainage

Learners will understand the following after successful completion of the course

• Operate topdressing equipment
• Operate a range of aeration equipment
• Operate a range of scarifying equipment
• Repair turfgrass damages and goalmouths
• Linemarking for Football pitches

Aims of this course

*          Set achievable goals for work experience

* Develop insight into the nature and demands of work

* Utilise learning opportunities presented by work experience

* Appreciate the importance of safety and welfare in the workplace

* Develop employability skills e.g. motivation to learn,communication skills,            teamwork, critical thinking, career development, co-operation.

* Reflect on and review their experience of the workplace

* Explore career choices in the light of their own aspirations, experience, abilities and    available opportunities.

Entry Requirements

FETAC Level 3 Certificate, Junior Certificate, or equivalent qualifications and/or relevant life and work experiences in greenkeeping and groundsmanship.

Unit 1 Planning and Preparation

Unit 2 Experience

Unit 3 Review of Experience

Learners should be able to

Unit 1

Identify their own personal qualities, interpersonal and work related skills

Practice work seeking skills

Identify specific goals for work experience

Compile relevant material for work experience

Practise effective communication skills for the workplace

Identify the basic rights and responsibilities of employees and employers as defined by current legislation and practice in the workplace.

Identify some factors which influence work opportunities locally

Explore ways in which learning from other life experiences may be relevant to work experience .

Unit 2

Participate effectively in workplace .

Relate effectively with supervisor/manager, fellow workers and the general public (including customers where applicable)

Maintain a workplace journal which describes experience and identifies learning in the workplace

Follow the Health, Safety and Welfare regulations which apply in the workplace.

Unit 3

Review their participation in work experience in the light of her/his previously stated goals, personal qualities, actual learning, and Work Experience report

Reflect on how they dealt with positive and negative experiences in the workplace .

Identify the skills and qualities which make people good employees/employers

Explore options for future education, training and employment in the context of their workplace experiences.

Assessment

Successful Candidates present a portfolio of coursework which shows that they have achieved all of the Specific Learning Outcomes.

The portfolio must contain the following:

1. Evidence of Planning and Preparation               30%

2. Learner Journal                                              20%

3. Work Experience Report                                  20%

4. Review of Experience                          30%

Technique Portfolio of Coursework 100%

Mode Centre-based with FETAC moderation.

Weighting 100%

Components: Portfolio of coursework to include:

1. Evidence of Planning and Preparation 30%

2. Learner Journal 20%

3. Work Experience Report 20%

4. Review of Experience 30%

11.1.1 Evidence of Planning and Preparation

This should be a complete portfolio of all arrangements and

documents. The following items should be included:

• · statement of work experience goals, including statement of

skills and qualities to be demonstrated in Work Experience

• · CV or letter of application or completed application form
• · interview record
• · personal skills audit
• · details of workplace arrangements.

11.1.2 Learner Journal

A daily diary/record covering the following aspects of the

candidate’s experience in the workplace:

• · a description of work undertaken
• · reflection on experiences at the time
• · description of challenges and positive aspects of the

experience, both personal and work related

• · what was learned.

11.1.3 Work Experience Report

A report to be completed by the:

• · Workplace Supervisor and the Work Experience Assessor.

Further comments and observations on the Supervisor’s Report

may be included by the Work Experience Assessor/co-ordinator.

11.1.4 Review of Experience

A review and evaluation of the candidate’s learning while on

work experience. This should include:

• · a job description based on work undertaken during work

experience

• · review of work experience, based on the Learner’s journal

and the Work Experience Report forms, including:

– an outline of what the candidate learned from the

experience

– what s/he would do differently in any future work

experience

– personal action plan in light of workplace experiences.

All components of portfolio may be presented in a variety of

media e.g. written, audio, video, graphic.

Learners should be able to

• Distinguish between different ways of working.

• Practice skills in mowing

• Carry out a survey about different types of work and working life.

• Practice skills in pre start and post start checks of mowing

• Identify some ideal qualities of employers and employees.

• Practice skills in preparing ground for seeding or turfing

• Identify possible sources of work in the locality.

• Practice skills in line marking a football pitch

• Determine his/her own personal strengths and weaknesses which are relevant to working life.

• Identify possible careers that would suit his/her own skills, qualities and interests.

• Make an application, real or simulated, for a job suitable to his/her own interests and capabilities.

• Take part in a simulated interview for a chosen job.

Assessment

Candidates present a portfolio of coursework which shows that they have achieved all of the Specific Learning Outcomes.

The portfolio must contain the following:

Survey Report:            candidates submit a report on a survey conducted on work and working life. This should include details of planning, a summary of the questions asked and the responses given and an outline of conclusions which provide useful information on work and working life.

Case Study:                 candidates submit a report of a personal job search, real or simulated. This should include a summary of personal skills, strengths and weakenesses; an outline of employment possibilities in the locality; and an account of the process of looking for a job. Supporting documentation should be included, for example, job advertisement, letters of application, CV, job description, application form, etc.

Other Evidence:          candidates submit other evidence which shows they have achieved all of the Specific Learning Outcomes. Candidates must also show that they have practicised the basic skills of groundsmanship as outlined

Lawn Care

Hort Skills

Hort Machinery & Tools

Hort FETAC Level 3

Football Pitch Maintenance Levels 1, 2 and 3 (GAA, Soccer, Rugby)

Cricket Level 1 and 2

Bowling Green (Natural Turf and Synthetic)

Football Pitch Line Marking (GAA, SOCCER & RUGBY)

Sportsturf Drainage

Synthetic Surfaces

*Background to Synthetic Surfaces

*Types of Construction & Materials

*Information required prior to construction and on handover of facility

*Minimum maintenance per type of surface

*Inspection of surfaces and most common problems

*Common areas of heavy wear and tear

Performance Quality Standards

maintain a safe working environment including safety standards

regarding lifting, carrying and handling plants, tools and

equipment.

All learning outcomes must be assessed by

Skills Demonstration 80%

Examination - Theory 20%