Study material

This study guide is about the actual training path to landscape gardener — that is how the education is set up how you get in and what you can build on. The technical subject matter about plants coverings soil and calculations you find in the trade's own articles calculators and templates. Here we stick to the path through the education so you know what awaits and how best to prepare.

Landscape gardener is a vocational education (EUD) under the main area Food, agriculture, and experiences. It alternates between school periods and internship at a company, and the total education typically lasts about 4–4½ years depending on your program and choice of specialty. At HANSENBERG the education is offered in Kolding and can be taken as ordinary EUD or as EUX (with upper secondary exam on top).

The education consists of three parts: a basic course in two halves followed by a main course alternating between school and apprenticeship. Below is the typical structure. Note that the exact length of the main course depends on your speciality and your education agreement.

You learn the craft itself largely at the apprenticeship while school periods give you theory and professional foundation. To move from basic course to main course you need a training contract (a written agreement) with an approved company. With a training contract you are guaranteed school stays and receive apprentice wages throughout the course. You should generally find your apprenticeship place yourself but the school can guide you.

Landscape gardening education has two specialties which you specialize in during the main course:

• 01Installation engineering – you learn to establish green areas and lay pavements with tiles and stones. Focus on the 'gray': pavements, stairs, walls, and terraces, as well as establishing new facilities, including necessary measurements and calculations.
• 02Landscaping technique — you practise establishing, maintaining and caring for green areas such as planting and grass and establishing small facilities, e.g. in parks, gardens and cemeteries.

To be admitted, you must have passed the primary school leaving examination with at least an average of 2.0 in Danish and mathematics respectively. If you come directly from 9th or 10th grade, you apply via Optagelse.dk no later than 1 March at 12:00. If you don't meet the grade requirement, you can sit an entrance exam and an admission interview.

The education ends after the main course with a journeyman test that typically includes a practical project (a masterpiece) and an oral examination. The work is assessed by professional assessors (master craftsmen) and can result in ratings "passed" "well done" or "exceptionally well done". The highest levels can earn bronze or silver medals.

With the journeyman's certificate you can work in a landscape gardening company with municipalities or with the management of parks gardens cemeteries and public spaces. If you want to study further there are several paths:

• 01Choose EUX, where you take the vocational qualification with a higher examination qualification on top. The programme becomes longer, but you achieve general entry requirements for higher education and can apply to further education afterwards — like other students.
• 02After vocational education you can continue studying, for example to agricultural technologist or toward landscape architect. Check the admission requirements for each study, as there may be requirements for specific subject levels.
• 03Upskill yourself through AMU courses in establishment and maintenance of green areas and facilities if you later want to update or specialize your competencies.

• 01Keep track of the deadline: if you apply directly from elementary school, the deadline is March 1 at 12:00 at Optagelse.dk.
• 02Get your Danish and math in order — the grade requirement of 2.0 is crucial, and math is actively used in the trade for measurements, quantities, and calculations.
• 03Seek an apprenticeship early and use the school's guidance centre; a training agreement is your ticket to the main course.
• 04Be prepared for outdoor, physical work in all kinds of weather — it is a large part of everyday life in the trade.
• 05Consider early whether EUX is for you if you long-term dream of further education.