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In general
This internship will be particularly valuable for a student on a ND, HND or Degree course or for those attending overseas institutions who require an industrial placement for a year, and for those requiring post-course experience. The programme provides an unrivalled opportunity to learn within an extensive and varied collection of plants and to work with, and learn from, the garden and scientific staffs, who have collectively and individually a vast reserve of expertise and knowledge.
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Remuneration is currently £12,040 per year, paid monthly.
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Trainees will live in the Society's self-catering accommodation, comprising shared housing of between two to five people. Each trainee has a single study bedroom and access to a shared lounge and kitchen/dining facilities (subsidised cost of which will be deducted from renumeration).
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There is an annual leave entitlement of eight public holidays, plus 23 working days per year.
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On successful completion of the programme a certificate of competence will be provided.
Programme content
The successful candidate will be employed as a trainee gardener and work experience will be provided within the Floral Department of the RHS Garden Wisley.
Considerable emphasis is placed on the ability to work alongside trained horticulturists in performing a wide range of practical horticultural skills.
The Ornamental Trainee will be required to assist with various administrative tasks at the Society's monthly shows at Vincent Square and the Chelsea Flower Show. This gives an opportunity to view the exhibits and gain experience in this important and unique facet of the Society's activities.
The Ornamental Trainee will be required to work on a number of asignments while at Wisley and these may include a departmental management report, dissertation and fortnightly plant identification tests. It is anticipated that a sandwich year student will have college/university projects to complete and these will be set against RHS committments where appropriate.
Eligibility
It is expected that most applicants will have completed the initial part, at least, of a Further Education or Higher Education Course in horticulture.
The entry qualifications are negotiable according to individual circumstances relating to employment and experience, however an amount of project work is expected to be completed during the year for which motivation and self-management are essential qualities.
A commitment to work and learn in the Wisley environment and put to full use the opportunities, facilities and expertise available is essential.
Applicants from overseas will be considered, and acceptance will be subject to a Work Permit being granted for non-EU nationals. A good working knowledge of the English language is essential, and evidence to that effect will be requested.
Applications
Applications must be made by
31 January
in the year of anticipated entry. To download an application form and course details,
click here for an Acrobat version
(61KB) or
here for a Word for Windows version
(215KB).
Do not forget to write 'Specialist Option Certificate - Ornamental' at the top of the form.