The one-year PLC programme in amenity horticulture at Pearse College, Clogher Road, Dublin, leads to a NCVA level 2 award in applied science horticulture. The course includes landscape construction design, nursery stock, soil science, organic gardening, use of decorative plants and the theory and practice of ground maintenance.

"It's a practical course and involves hard work in cold weather," warns course co-ordinator Bernadette Spellman. Up to 22 places are available on the course, which attracts a high proportion of mature students. Work experience includes the opportunity of four weeks on garden, maintenance at the Irish College in Louvain, Belgium. Pearse College students were responsible for restoring the old gardens there.

On completion of the course, students have no difficulty finding work, says Spellman. There are currently more jobs available than there are people to fill them.

Many students set up their own businesses, others go on to further study - mostly on Teagasc courses in Ireland or on British courses.