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Further Education

Vocational Courses

Each of our year-long courses offer the opportunity to gain unique skills and experience for a rewarding, sustainable career. You’ll learn via practical indoor and outdoor learning backed up with classroom theory taught by passionate and experienced teachers.

Tuition for NVQs is fully funded by the Welsh Government, but you will just need to ensure you can cover your own costs of living for the duration of the course.

Our NVQs are accredited by City and Guilds and validated by NPTC Group of Colleges.

What is an NVQ?

The ‘National Vocational Qualification’ is a work-based qualification designed to provide skills and knowledge required for a specific job or career path. It is a practical, competency-based certification focusing on being able to perform tasks effectively within a chosen profession.

NVQs are highly recognised qualifications across the UK and worldwide.

Level 1 NVQs are the equivalent to 3-4 GCSEs at grades 2-3 (D-E)
Level 2 NVQs are the equivalent to 4-5 GCSEs at grades 4-9 (A*-C)
Level 3 NVQs are the equivalent to 2 A-Levels

Our NVQ’S are:

Available to anyone aged 16+
Fully funded by the Welsh Government for UK residents – free to study!
1 academic year long
Focused on practical learning
A route to a career with no examinations
A certification to demonstrate a national standard

Applications for NVQs are now open for 2025!

CHOOSE YOUR PATHWAY

Coppicing & Greenwood Trades
NVQ Level 2 Diploma

Talgarth

3 days per week, September to July

Develop practical skills and knowledge in traditional woodland management and greenwood crafts. Work closely with the land, learning sustainable, low-impact methods for managing woodlands that enhance biodiversity, while refining your craftsmanship in eco-friendly greenwood use.
Coppicing & Greenwood Trades
NVQ Level 3 Diploma

Talgarth

3 days per week, September to July

Deepen your skills in traditional woodland management and sustainable forestry. Gain experience in maintaining productive woodlands, craft high-quality greenwood products, learn heritage hedge-laying techniques, and forestry business skills.
Forestry & Arboriculture
NVQ Level 2 Diploma

Treherbert

3 days per week, September to July

Gain experience working outdoors, care for natural landscapes, and learn the skills needed to manage trees, woodlands, and green spaces sustainably.
Land-Based Studies
NVQ Level 1 Diploma

Treherbert

3 days per week, September to July

Gain an introduction to skills in plant care and basic horticulture, habitat conservation, tool handling, and countryside maintenance.
Nature Restoration*
NVQ Level 2 Diploma

Talgarth or Treherbert

3 days per week, September to July

*Previously known as Nature Recovery. Learn the skills needed for ecosystem restoration and biodiversity enhancement. This hands-on course focuses on techniques for rewilding, habitat restoration, and sustainable land management, preparing students for careers in environmental conservation.
Regenerative Farming & Agroecology Traineeship
NVQ Level 3 Diploma

Talgarth (Troed-yr-Harn Farm & other farms nearby)

3 OR 5 days per week, January to December

Learn how to emphasise harmony between agriculture and ecosystems with sustainable farming approaches. Work with nature and discover how you can transform our food systems for the better. Equivalent to 3 days per week minimum or opt to undertake a work placement to make the course 5 full days per week.
Regenerative Horticulture
NVQ Level 3 Diploma

Talgarth

3 days per week, January to December

Gain a deeper understanding of soil and plant ecology, design principles of permaculture, organic production and no-dig techniques to create sustainable growing systems.
Regenerative Horticulture
NVQ Level 2 Diploma

Talgarth or Treherbert

3 days per week, September to July

Focus on regenerative growing practices that restore soil health, promote ecological balance and incorporate organic and no-dig principles. With an emphasis on sustainability and ecology, you will gain practical knowledge and be prepared for a career or higher education in horticulture, botany, landscaping and more.