RHS Horticultural Internships

Gain practical experience by working alongside our skilled horticulturists and learn by doing

Gain practical experience by working alongside our skilled horticulturists. The RHS is looking to support the wider horticultural industry in addressing the skills shortage of trained horticulturists. Our established Diploma course, Professional Work Placements and Apprentice scheme are supporting both existing and new horticulturists to increase their skillset and grow their horticultural careers. However, the RHS recognises that individuals who are new to the industry and considering, or just embarking on, entry-level horticultural qualifications need support to develop their practical experience. Following a successful pilot at RHS Garden Wisley in 2024 we are continuing to host paid internships at RHS Garden Wisley within some of our Curatorial teams.

Internships will take place between April 2025 and complete no later than the end of October 2025. As part of the RHS initiative to support a greater diversity of people accessing horticultural careers, we will be offering these internships as paid opportunities in two options. We hope this will provide as much flexibility as possible for those who may be in full-time education, or working full, or part, time.

Option 1

  • Starting at the beginning of April attend one day per week until late October
  • Days available will be either Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday and will need to be consistent throughout the internship (we recognise that occasionally life may require some flexibility, and we will aim to accommodate where possible)
  • Hours 9:30am – 4pm, including a 1-hour unpaid lunchbreak

Option 2

  • A six-week placement Monday – Friday
  • Split across Spring, Summer and Autumn seasons – blocks are required to be agreed when a position is offered (we recognise that occasionally life may require some flexibility, and we will aim to accommodate where possible)
  • Hours 9:30am – 4pm, including a 1-hour unpaid lunchbreak

At application you can indicate which option you would prefer – depending on the option you choose and team availability we cannot confirm what team/specialism you will be placed with until you are offered a place.

Who should apply
This opportunity is tailored for individuals new to horticulture, aged 16 and above, who:
 
  • Are passionate about plants, nature, and are keen to explore a career in horticulture
  • Have not achieved a full Level 2 horticultural qualification but may have started one
  • Are not employed full-time in horticulture (a voluntary or part time position would be acceptable)
  • Are reasonably fit to handle the physical demands of outdoor work

If you already work in horticulture or hold advanced qualifications (a full RHS Level 2 component or above), explore our advanced training options or current roles.

We encourage applications from all backgrounds to improve accessibility to horticultural careers. Please note that internships involve physical outdoor work in various seasons.

If you have specific requirements, contact us at [email protected] before applying.
What you’ll do
As an intern, you’ll work alongside skilled horticulturists, gaining insight into:
 
  • Seasonal horticultural tasks and techniques for maintaining ornamental and/or edible gardens in a large public setting
  • How we are using horticultural techniques to adapt our gardens to be resilient to climate change and support the ambitious RHS Sustainability Strategy
  • The realities of outdoor work across varied seasons
What you’ll get

The RHS Horticultural Internship provides a great opportunity to immerse yourself in one of the world’s most extensive ornamental gardens while developing valuable skills and experience. During your placement, you’ll benefit from:

  • Hands-On Experience: Gain practical knowledge in garden maintenance, plant care, and sustainability. Work alongside seasoned horticulturists to understand the day-to-day operations of a public garden and can discover their routes into horticulture.
  • Personalised Mentorship: Participate in up to three mentoring sessions with the New Shoots team, setting goals, reflecting on progress, and exploring career opportunities tailored to your interests.
  • Portfolio Building: Have the opportunity to create a portfolio documenting your experience with your placement team(s) and delivering a short presentation summarising your discoveries about the team specialism and horticultural careers, equipping you with a resource to support future applications.


In addition to these developmental benefits, you’ll enjoy:

  • Uniform and Equipment: Receive practical workwear, including tops, safety boots, and gloves (you’ll need to provide your own trousers, though you will receive waterproof over trousers)
  • Staff Perks: Enjoy free access to all RHS Gardens across the UK. A Paid Internship: Earn an hourly wage aligned with the UK minimum/living wage (based on your age) for up to 5.5 hours per working day, including a 1-hour unpaid lunch break.


This well-rounded package ensures you build both practical and professional expertise while gaining insight into the diverse career possibilities within horticulture.

Where could it lead
While the internship doesn’t provide a formal qualification or guarantee employment, it lays a solid foundation for advancing in the horticultural sector:
 
  • Tailored Career Guidance: Benefit from one-on-one mentoring sessions with the New Shoots team to discuss goals and next steps.
  • Professional Development: Use your portfolio and presentation as evidence of your skills and dedication when applying for further training or entry-level roles.
  • Career Pathways: Use your internship experience to apply for further training or industry roles, such as the RHS Diploma course, Professional Work Placements and Apprenticeships. This internship is designed to help you take the first steps into an exciting and rewarding career in horticulture.

Next steps

Applications open in December 2024 and close on 13 January 2025.

  • Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview at the chosen garden (if it is not possible to attend in person there will be an opportunity to request an online interview) in early-February 2025
  • Successful applicants will begin their internships with an induction in early April 2025

Apply using this form and take your first step towards a career in horticulture. Successful candidates will be informed before mid-February and an invitation to induction provided for the end of March.

Hear from our participants

“Getting to see different departments (edible, seed, trials) gave me an insight into just how diverse the horticulture can be, even within one garden.”

“Getting to see different departments (edible, seed, trials) gave me an insight into just how diverse the horticulture can be, even within one garden.”

“Everyone is very welcoming and friendly, Wisley is a beautiful place of work. It is great to see the garden out of hours and getting a feel for what it is like to work here.”

“Everyone is very welcoming and friendly, Wisley is a beautiful place of work. It is great to see the garden out of hours and getting a feel for what it is like to work here.”

“All staff were informative and described in detail their experiences. I felt I really broadened my understanding of their work and different roles they had within the site.”

“All staff were informative and described in detail their experiences. I felt I really broadened my understanding of their work and different roles they had within the site.”

“Getting to see different departments (edible, seed, trials) gave me an insight into just how diverse the horticulture can be, even within one garden.”

“Getting to see different departments (edible, seed, trials) gave me an insight into just how diverse the horticulture can be, even within one garden.”

“Everyone is very welcoming and friendly, Wisley is a beautiful place of work. It is great to see the garden out of hours and getting a feel for what it is like to work here.”

“Everyone is very welcoming and friendly, Wisley is a beautiful place of work. It is great to see the garden out of hours and getting a feel for what it is like to work here.”

“All staff were informative and described in detail their experiences. I felt I really broadened my understanding of their work and different roles they had within the site.”

“All staff were informative and described in detail their experiences. I felt I really broadened my understanding of their work and different roles they had within the site.”

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See the range of options on offer

Browse our programmes

Learn about the initiative to promote horticultural careers

What is New Shoots?

If you have a question on work experience, please see our Frequently Asked Questions section. 

FAQs

Contact us
For more information or if you have a question, please get in touch with the New Shoots team. 


E-mail:
[email protected]

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The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.