Volunteering in Community Gardens
Are you looking to gain employment in Gardening and Horticulture? If so this is the course for you! You will learn about health and safety in the garden, how to sow seeds, propagate plants and general garden maintenance. This course will include working on community gardens outside of ACL Centres. As part of this course there will be a referral to ECL for support in finding work.
Course Summary
Starting:
Monday 15 September 2025
Duration:
36 sessions over 36 week(s)
Time:
10:00 for 05:00 hours
Cost:
Funding May Be Available
Find us here
ACL Colchester
Barrack Street
Colchester
Essex
CO1 2LR
What Will Happen At My First Lesson
The first week of your course will include Study Skills. The Study Skills session will give you the opportunity to discover the best way that you can learn and fully understand the requirements of the course. This will include reading and agreeing to the learner charter, setting class rules and understanding boundaries within college.
Qualification Aim/Level
Entry level/L1
Who is this course for?
Young people and adults aged 19+ with learning disabilities and/or Autism who are looking to move into employment
What can I expect to Learn?
Participants will have the opportunity to contribute to a local community garden, learning about gardening techniques, plant care, and sustainable practices. Through hands-on volunteering experiences, learners will develop teamwork skills, environmental awareness, and a sense of pride in cultivating green spaces.
How will I learn?
Your tutor will use a number of different teaching methods to develop your skills. These will include a wide range of authentic materials, individual study, working in pairs/group activities and will include the use of video/audio. You will also have the opportunity to use online learning technologies to develop your skills.
How will I know how well I am doing?
You will follow an individual learning plan which will track your achievements and work towards a qualification.
Will I need to do extra work at home?
You are expected to make use of the skills learnt in college at home and in the work place.
What will I need to provide?
You should bring a folder, pen, money for lunch or a drink and wear appropriate clothing.
Are there any other costs?
Occasional funds will be needed for outings or events.
What can I do next?
Your tutor will be pleased to discuss other courses that might assist your progression in this subject. You can also make an appointment with an ACL Career and Skills progression advisors to discuss your next steps.?For information on ACL courses please see http://www.aclessex.com/ The National Careers Service provides information, advice and guidance to help you make decisions on learning, training and work. The service offers confidential and impartial advice and is supported by qualified careers advisers. To make an appointment please call 0800 100 900 (calls are free from landlines and most mobile numbers) or visit their website https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk
Further Information
For all enquiries regarding this course please contact 0345 603 7638
What Next?
Please note you must be 19yrs or over to enrol.
For details on how to enrol please click here 
Are you looking to gain employment in Gardening and Horticulture? If so this is the course for you! You will learn about health and safety in the garden, how to sow seeds, propagate plants and general garden maintenance. This course will include working on community gardens outside of ACL Centres. As part of this course there will be a referral to ECL for support in finding work.
Course Summary
Starting: |
Monday 15 September 2025 |
Duration: |
36 sessions over 36 week(s) |
Time: |
10:00 for 05:00 hours |
Cost: |
Funding May Be Available |
Find us here
ACL Colchester
Barrack Street
Colchester
Essex
CO1 2LR
What Will Happen At My First Lesson
The first week of your course will include Study Skills. The Study Skills session will give you the opportunity to discover the best way that you can learn and fully understand the requirements of the course. This will include reading and agreeing to the learner charter, setting class rules and understanding boundaries within college.
Qualification Aim/Level
Entry level/L1
Who is this course for?
Young people and adults aged 19+ with learning disabilities and/or Autism who are looking to move into employment
What can I expect to Learn?
Participants will have the opportunity to contribute to a local community garden, learning about gardening techniques, plant care, and sustainable practices. Through hands-on volunteering experiences, learners will develop teamwork skills, environmental awareness, and a sense of pride in cultivating green spaces.
How will I learn?
Your tutor will use a number of different teaching methods to develop your skills. These will include a wide range of authentic materials, individual study, working in pairs/group activities and will include the use of video/audio. You will also have the opportunity to use online learning technologies to develop your skills.
How will I know how well I am doing?
You will follow an individual learning plan which will track your achievements and work towards a qualification.
Will I need to do extra work at home?
You are expected to make use of the skills learnt in college at home and in the work place.
What will I need to provide?
You should bring a folder, pen, money for lunch or a drink and wear appropriate clothing.
Are there any other costs?
Occasional funds will be needed for outings or events.
What can I do next?
Your tutor will be pleased to discuss other courses that might assist your progression in this subject. You can also make an appointment with an ACL Career and Skills progression advisors to discuss your next steps.?For information on ACL courses please see http://www.aclessex.com/ The National Careers Service provides information, advice and guidance to help you make decisions on learning, training and work. The service offers confidential and impartial advice and is supported by qualified careers advisers. To make an appointment please call 0800 100 900 (calls are free from landlines and most mobile numbers) or visit their website https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk
Further Information
For all enquiries regarding this course please contact 0345 603 7638
What Next?
Please note you must be 19yrs or over to enrol.