Proficiency Award in Fruit Growing (Temperate Climate)

Core studies cover outdoor crop production and fruit production for temperate climates, backed by two workshop modules that build practical, applied skills. You then choose an elective from berry production, home fruit growing or nut production to add depth in a specific area. Suitable for those growing fruit commercially or planning to start a fruit growing business in a temperate climate.

Study fruit production in a temperate climate with this distance learning course. Advance your career or business in fruit growing. Learn about the fruit growing industry. Gain practical skills and knowledge in fruit production. Learn useful planning, management, and marketing skills. Learn from our courses - written and taught by professionals with extensive industry experience. COURSE STRUCTURE AND CONTENT The Proficiency Award In Fruit Growing (Temperate Climate) has a nominal duration of 500 hours of study. ACS Courses offer students the flexibility to start when they want to and to study at their own pace (perhaps fitting studies around existing work or home commitments). Full support is given to students throughout the period of their study. The course comprises 3 Modules (2 Core Modules plus 1 Elective Module) and a Workplace Project. The course elements are summarised, below. Please click on the module titles to follow the links to more detailed information on each. CORE MODULES Crops I BHT112 The Crops I module comprises 10 lessons covering all aspects of the production of different crop types (tree fruit, soft fruits, vegetables, cut flowers, herbs, and nuts). The broad based studies will equip the student with useful knowledge on the principles of crop production – the types of crop to select, appropriate sites, managing nutritional requirements and the different systems used for growing crops outdoors. Fruit Production – Temperate Climate BHT218 This 8 lesson module covers the identification of different types of fruit crops suitable for growing in a temperate climate, and the establishment and cultural management of an orchard. Upon completion of the module, students will be able to determine the cultural requirements for fruit crops and will have developed a plan for the establishment of an orchard. Practical elements of the module include studying of different storage methods for fruit, their packaging and how they are marketed. ELECTIVE MODULES Students are to choose one module to study from the following options: Berry Production BHT309 Berry Production is an 8 lesson module which covers all aspects of the propagation, care and cultivation of common, and uncommon, berry fruit, from soils to the marketing of produce. The module includes sections on the growing of well know varieties of berry (e.g. strawberry, blackberry, gooseberry etc.) as well as lesser known berries (such as lignoberry, pepino, mulberry etc.). The module concludes with a lesson concerned with the marketing process of commercially produced berries. Research and tasks required to complete this module will allow students a degree of specialisation in particular berries that interest them. Nut Production BHT219 A module for the enthusiast or commercial grower. Nut Production consists of 8 lessons, aiming to provide students with a sound foundation for growing a wide variety of nuts, particularly in temperate climates. Those studying with this module will learn to identify different nut crop varieties and determine the cultivation and propagation practices applicable to these. As well as looking at the harvesting of a nut crop, the module includes lessons on the marketing of nuts and risk assessment and management in the workplace. Home Fruit Growing AHT104 This 6 lesson module is concerned with the principles and theory of growing fruit in the home environment. Students will learn about how to improve the fertility of soils and how to cope with issues such as pests and disease. The module looks at the suitability of produce and how to manage your crop. Produce can either be sold or preserved (such as making jam). As the module looks at so many primary elements of fruit growing, it also provides a useful starting point to those who may wish to pursue crop production in a more commercial environment. WORKPLACE PROJECT To complete this qualification, you are also required to complete a workplace project lasting 200 hours. There are 4 options available to you to satisfy this requirement. The options will be different dependent upon whether or not you currently work within the industry. The project can be work experience, voluntary experience, a project you carry out, other training you have already undertaken and there are other options. Don’t worry if you are not sure how to proceed at this stage, as your tutor will be there to discuss how to proceed and help you every step of the way. HOW THE COURSE WORKS You can start the course at any time. It is studied by distance learning, so you can study in the comfort of your own home. But this doesn't mean you are all alone in your studies. Our highly qualified and friendly tutors are there to help you every step of the way. If you have any questions at all, they are always happy to help. To complete the course - There is an assignment at the end of each lesson. So if there are 10 lessons in a module, there will be 10 assignments. At the end of each module, there is also an examination which you can take at a time and location to suit you. To pass the course you are required to pass all assignments and exams. Each of the modules mentioned can also be studied as a standalone course if you prefer. Why Study This Course? If you are serious about learning more on the subject of fruit production in a temperate climate, then this course will be ideal for you. Learn about crop selection as well as the appropriate systems for growing your fruit. Familiarise yourself with the principles of growing fruit for a commercial environment. Use the course as a basis to gain the appropriate experience to develop your own career. The element of practical experience in the course means you apply your newly developed skills before you complete the qualification – this means you have tutor supported experience before you embark on the next stage of your own business or your career path. The course covers all crucial areas in fruit growing, including what happens with your produce once grown – how it can be stored, marketed, and transported. Any Questions? If you have any questions at all, our Fruit Production Tutors are more than happy to help. Please click here to contact a Tutor.