Description
This course is essential for anyone who uses a leaf blower or Vacuum in a professional capacity (as part of their normal duties). For example, a grounds maintenance operative or gardener.
This course is essential for anyone who uses a leaf blower or vacuum in a professional capacity as part of their work in agriculture, horticulture, landscaping, grounds maintenance, greenkeeping, parks, gardens and also in amenity use. It will provide the individual with the knowledge, understanding and skills required to prepare and operate a leaf blower or vacuum safely to industry standards and in line with current legislation.
Individuals can choose to be trained and assessed in either; a leaf blower or vacuum, or both types of machine. Candidates will be assessed on the same machine(s) that they were trained on. The assessment covers pre-use checks, maintenance, identification of controls and instruments, and operating the machine taking into account the type of machine.
This qualification will support progression into employment where safe operation of mowers is part of the role. Safe operational skills are key to efficient use, good working practice and preventing accidents, leading to business benefits in terms of less machinery damage and down time.
Staff assessing these qualifications are approved Certificate of Competence City & Guilds NPTC Assessors. They do not have to be independent, but can be, or can have been involved with the training of the Candidate, this effectively means that the same person can train and assess this qualification. Assessment may be carried out on the same day ( for 1-3 candidates) or the day following training (for 3-6 candidates) depending on course numbers.
You will study the underpinning knowledge essential for correctly maintaining and safely operating a leaf blower or vacuum and receive tuition in how to maintain and safely operate a leaf blower or vacuum.
There is one mandatory unit:
and there are two endorsements:
Unit 254 Handheld Leaf Blower or Vacuum Operations has six learning outcomes. Each learning outcome is broken down into a number of assessment criteria that are used by Assessors during the assessment process.
Note: Unless we are informed otherwise, we will assume that candidates require training for both 950 Handheld leaf blower and 951 Handheld vacuum and will be registered as such. If this is not the case, please notify us at the time of booking your course.
This qualification is examined by the Trainer who delivered the training. Small groups can be trained and assessed in one day (1-3 candidates), larger groups (3-6 candidates) will trained on day one and assessed on another mutually convenient date (Usually the following day).
You will receive a City & Guilds NPTC Level 2 Award in the Safe Use of Handheld Leaf Blowers and Vacuums (0014-39). Note: This is issued directly by City & Guilds NPTC.
Training is £160.00 per candidate, registration through CEPT is £ 27.00 and certification with City & Guilds NPTC is £35.00, assessment is carried out by the person who trained you and costs £ 72.00, the total payable is £ 294.00
Courses will take place our Ryton Centre. However, if you would like this course delivered at your own site please contact us, we would be pleased to discuss viability and cost. please contact Tony Davies by email. tonydavies@bestinhorticulture.co.uk
To book your place on a course, click on the green 'Enrol on this Course' button below; but if you would like this course delivered in the workplace, please contact Tony Davies by email tonydavies@bestinhorticulture.co.uk
We have a very high success rate in preparing candidates for assessment, to date we have achieved 100% success!
You can go on to undertake training in a variety of Certificates of Competence applicable to your role. For example:
If you work as a garden maintenance operative (gardener), the following might be useful:
- Manual handling
- Safe application of pesticides (Pa1)
- Hand held applicators (Pa6)
- Occasional chainsaw user
- Brushcutter/strimmer
- Hand held hedge trimmer
- Pedestrian mower
- Leaf blower/vacuum
- Amenity shredder
- Ride on mowers
- Compact tractors
If you work as a landscaper, the following might be useful:
- Manual handling
- Safe application of pesticides (Pa1)
- Hand held applicators (Pa6)
- Occasional chainsaw user
- Brushcutter/strimmer
- Plant machinery360 degree excavator
- Dumper
- Abrasive wheel machine
17th September 2025, 5th November 2026, 7th January 2027
09.30
6
£294.00
£294.00
This course is essential for anyone who uses a leaf blower or Vacuum in a professional capacity (as part of their normal duties). For example, a grounds maintenance operative or gardener.
| Course Availability | 23rd July 2026, 5th November 2026, 7th January 2027 |
|---|
We have collected together some quick links to useful pages that you should find helpful.
B.E.S.T in Horticulture Education Limited, Registered in England No 14088275. (A not for profit organisation)
B.E.S.T. in Horticulture Ltd. Registered in England № 7739766.
