RHS Apprenticeships

Apprentices spend two years working alongside inspiring horticulturists in our prestigious RHS Gardens. This experience gives you a real understanding of the seasonal work involved in an ornamental garden. There is nothing like getting your hands dirty to grow your knowledge and confidence.

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Apprenticeships on offer

Horticulture / Landscape Operative Apprenticeship (L2)

• RHS apprentices study the horticulture option for this standard, which focuses on plant propagation and plant growth
• Study is completed by day or block release at college

 

Available to study at:

• Harlow Carr, North Yorkshire
• Hyde Hall, Essex
• Rosemoor, North Devon
• Wisley, Surrey

More info

Arborist Apprenticeship (L2)

• Planting, felling and maintaining trees

Available to study at: 

• Bridgewater, Greater Manchester

More info Apply now

Mechanical (Land-based service engineer)Apprenticeships (L2)

• Maintaining a range of machinery, plant and equipment in one sector such as agriculture, forestry and horticulture

 Available to study at: 

• Bridgewater, Greater Manchester

More info Apply now

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Work in the garden

Apprentices are paid RHS employees on a two-year fixed-term contract.

You will undertake regular rotations through various garden departments assisting RHS staff with a range of tasks in the day-to-day cultivation and maintenance of the garden.

The working week is 37.5 hours per week, which includes any day or block release to college. Occasional weekend work will be required during weekends when key RHS events are taking place.

Each apprentice is assigned a Garden Manager and key contacts within each of the garden’s Curatorial / Educational departments.

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As an RHS apprentice you will:

• Train to become a gardener of the future by receiving an inspiring and effective apprenticeship programme
• Progress and develop in an inspiring learning environment
• Grow your practical understanding, knowledge and skills at a prestigious RHS garden
• Increase your skills, confidence and knowledge to help you to find employment within the horticultural industry after your training has finished

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Applications and entry requirements

• ​No previous experience or horticultural qualifications are required to be an apprentice with the RHS. However, applicants should demonstrate a passion in either plants, gardening or the area they have chosen to apply for
• The apprenticeships are aimed primarily at 16–19 year-olds, although are suitable for anyone looking to enter the horticultural industry.
• Applicants are required to have two GCSEs at grade C or above, one in English and the other in Maths. No previous qualifications in horticulture are required
• Applicants must have the ability to grasp information and apply recently gained knowledge, have a strong interest in plants and horticulture and must have a reasonable standard of IT literacy (use email, Microsoft Word to create documents and the internet to research information)

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Transport and accommodation

• Apprentices must find their own way to work and college; however, each garden will have flexibility in enabling access around public transport
• Accommodation is not provided for apprentices at any of the RHS Gardens

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After your apprenticeship

Apprentices successfully gaining the RHS Apprenticeship certificate have the opportunity to:

• Gain employment in the horticulture sector
• Apply for further study at Level 3 in a land-based college
• Be eligible to apply to the RHS School of Horticulture for further training and qualifications

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Apply now

Applications open on 1 December and close on 11 March for an August start of the same year.

For further information, an application form and a job description see the RHS Vacancies site.

Apply now

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Got a question?

Email our dedicated team and they'll help you get your learning underway.

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More information for young horticulturists

Our Campaign for School Gardening does not just have information for Primary school children it also has lots of competitions, help and information for 11-19 year-old gardening enthusiasts.

More for 11-19’s

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Thank you to our supporters

Our work-based training programmes are only possible with funding from our supporters. We are very grateful for the help we have received so far.

Find out more