The use of chemicals of various types in the garden and around the home is a fact of life. We look to chemicals to assist us with a wide range of home-based tasks from weed, pest and plant disease control in the garden; to nutrition for the plants we grow; to the control of vermin; to the control of pests and diseases in wooden structures (sheds, fences, greenhouses etc). All of those uses of different types of chemicals mean that a wide array of chemicals confront consumers when they visit their local garden centre. Leading retailers provide informed advice to their customers on which product does which job, when and how to use it, and, more importantly, where not to use it.
The BASIS Guardian Programme addresses these issues. It is an in-depth programme, targeted at experienced members of garden centre staff. It is a two day workshop programme, supported by a workbook, which candidates complete to support the learning. It is assessed by a BASIS exam and candidates are expected to demonstrate a high level of knowledge and competence. Retailers with staff qualified to this level will be not only offering their staff the best possible development opportunity, but will also be offering an exceptionally high level of customer service.
BASIS Guardian consists of 5 modules to complete during the tuition and home-based working period. A workbook will be provided to cover the syllabus content. Participants will need to complete both the workbook and the exam. The workbook will require some home study and research.
Modules
The two days of tuition will be structured around the needs of the group, but a typical course may be as follows:
Day 1
Day 2
There will be a gap of a few weeks between the two workshops to allow participants to complete their workbooks.
Examination
This will take place on the afternoon of the second workshop. The duration is 2 hours. It consists of:
30 multiple choice questions
3 short answer questions
10 questions which may be asked by customers
BASIS is an internationally recognised training organisation that runs courses in agriculture and horticulture, and all aspects of the environmental impact from the use of fertilisers and plant protection chemicals. BASIS course are highly regarded and can only be passed by a rigorous examination.
For more information contact the HTA Events Team by emailing events@the-hta.org.uk or 01189 303 132