RHS Horticultural Internships

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)
• Have struggled, or would otherwise struggle to access practical horticultural work experience
• Are reasonably fit to handle the physical demands of outdoor work

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

The RHS Horticultural Internship provides a great opportunity to immerse yourself in some 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 presentation documenting your experience with your placement team(s) and delivering this to the New Shoots team, 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). You will also receive a pair or secateurs and Hori Hori (over 18s ONLY), which you will be able to keep helping you on your future horticultural journey
• 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 7.5 hours per working day, including a one-hour unpaid lunch break
• Travel bursary: To help support individuals from the widest possible backgrounds, we will be providing a travel bursary equivalent to 50% of the daily commute from your home address to your chosen RHS Garden. Details will be provided upon confirmation of being offered a place after interviews

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

While the internship doesn’t provide a formal qualification/training 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 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, which could include the RHS Diploma course, Professional Work Placements and Apprenticeships or other industry training programmes. This internship is designed to help you take the first steps into an exciting and rewarding career in horticulture