GRASP – Green Skills in Sustainable Landscaping Design and Construction
NFQ Level 4
- Part-Time
- In-Person
- 12 Weeks
Available Locations:
- Applications now closed. We’ll be back with new dates shortly.
Online applicants will be redirected to fetchcourses.ie to complete the application process.Â
What You'll Learn
You will gain up‑to‑date knowledge and skills in horticulture practices that support the green construction industry. Â
On successful completion of this course, you will learn:Â
- why it is important to build things in ways that are good for the environment.Â
- how to identify different types of trees, plants and green spaces that help make places healthier and attractive.Â
- how nature can help solve problems like flooding, overheating and pollution.Â
- simple ways to collect, store and move rainwater safely.Â
- to recognise how climate change affects people, plants, animals and communities (biodiversity).Â
- about ways to help urban areas cope with hotter weather, heavier rain and other areas of climate change .
- how looking after water is important and how to prevent flooding and water waste.
- about the environmental benefits of green spaces and nature-based projects.
- how to work with others to plan and complete practical projects that help people and nature.Â
The aim of this course is to provide you with the skills to prepare a sustainable garden design. You will also learn about planting design and develop the skills to produce a planting plan for a section of garden.  This course will upskill you in Green Infrastructure Design, Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems and Nature-based Solutions.Â
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On successful completion of this course, you will receive the City and Guilds Level 2 (NFQ Level 4) Award in Practical Horticultural.Â
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This course is part of the GRASP project. GRASP is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB)
Timetable & Modules
Timetable:Â
There will be eight online evening sessions on a Thursday and four Saturday in-person practical workshops. See the timetable below:
| Date | In-person or Online | Evening/Saturday |
| 17-Sept-26 | Online | Evening |
| 24-Sept-26 | Online | Evening |
| 3-Oct-26 | In-person | Saturday |
| 8-Oct-26 | Online | Evening |
| 15-Oct-26 | Online | Evening |
| 24-Oct-26 | In-person | Saturday |
| 29-Oct-26 | Online | Evening |
| 5-Nov-26 | Online | Evening |
| 14-Nov-26 | In-person | Saturday |
| 19-Nov-26 | Online | Evening |
| 26-Nov-26 | Online | Evening |
| 5-Dec-26 | In-person | Saturday |
| Module | Title |
| City and Guilds 7573-02 | Practical Horticulture |
Progression / Career
This qualification gives you a solid foundation for progressing into further education opportunities in this area.Â
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Completing this course positions you for career growth in the construction and landscaping industry with specific Green Skills.Â
Entry Requirements
The target participants for this course under the GRASP project are: Â
- landscapersÂ
- buildersÂ
- ground workersÂ
- local authority staff or Â
- any other planning / building / environmental professionals who want to understand the practical application of these learning outcomes in urban settings for both residential and industrial sites.Â
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To join this course, you should:Â
- be aged 18 or over and have a genuine interest in employment opportunities in green solutions within the construction sector.Â
- have completed training or education at NFQ Level 3 or equivalent. If you don’t hold a formal qualification, you may still be considered if you can demonstrate relevant work experience, skills, or a strong interest in this area.Â
- have a minimum English language competency of B1 across reading, writing, listening and speaking (if English is not your first language). This is in line with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL).Â
Eligibility
Non-EU/EEA applicants need permission to work in Ireland. Please visit our eligibility page for more information on whether you are eligible.
The GRASP Project operates on a cross‑border basis and is open exclusively to participants residing within the designated counties in Northern Ireland and the border region of Ireland. To be eligible for recruitment to the programme, individuals must reside in one of the following approved counties:
Northern Ireland
• Armagh
• Derry / Londonderry
• Fermanagh
• Tyrone
Ireland (Border Counties)
• Cavan
• Donegal
• Monaghan
• Leitrim
• Sligo
Cost / Fees
Eligible applicants will have their course costs subsidised in full under the GRASP Fund.
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