Candidates to receive Government funding for the course, which provides a nationally recognised qualification.

The qualification, which has been developed in association with Skillsmart Retail and Lantra Awards, builds on the success of the Horticultural Trades Association's (HTA) Retail Plant Care Award and Retail Shop Care Award and provides 'bite sized' modules, which build up to a nationally recognised qualification in Retail Knowledge at level 3.

The diploma has been designed to give candidates a broad understanding of the retail operation, applied to the garden centre.

It is delivered through an interactive workbook, to give maximum flexibility and avoid disruption in the workplace.

Candidates can complete each module with the support of a mentor in the workplace and send the units to an assessor.

HTA director general David Gwyther said: "This is the first time that the garden retail industry has had a bespoke qualification which is aligned to national qualifications in retail and therefore qualifies for funding help."

"The new Diploma provides a significant new opportunity for garden centres to drive up the skills of the shop floor team, supporting their career development and enabling them to broaden their understanding of garden retail and add value into their businesses."

For further information about the Diploma in Garden Retail please contact HTA training and careers manager Tanya Robinson on 0118 930 3132 or email tanya.robinson@the-hta.org.uk

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