Factsheet

Apprenticeships with the RHS

Offering Apprenticeships in horticulture and arboriculture, the Apprenticeship programmes at Level 2 require no prior experience or horticultural qualifications; at Level 3, some prior experience is required.

  • Applications open each Spring, with positions starting in August
  • Great starting point to kick-start a successful career
  • Work alongside our garden experts and grow your confidence, skills and knowledge
  • Gain real-life work experience and increase your  chances of securing employment

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the Apprenticeships?

If you love gardening, plants, green space and nature then Horticultural Apprenticeships provide you with the skills to establish, cultivate and maintain formal and informal gardens.

  • The Level 2 Horticultural Operative Apprenticeship is a great entry point for anyone with an interest in horticulture but no skills or experience

  • The Level 3 Horticultural Supervisor Apprenticeship builds on existing skills and experience to develop supervisory and planning skills, enabling learners to safely supervise garden volunteers or teams whilst they carry out practical work

The Arboriculture Apprenticeship is perfect for those who have a passion for trees and woodlands. The work of an arborist involves diverse activities such as chainsaw work, aerial tree work, pruning and using machinery.

Do I need relevant qualifications or experience?
At Level 2
  • No! You simply need a love of horticulture or arboriculture, the great outdoors and an enthusiasm to learn
At Level 3
  • Yes! A Level 2 qualification or 6 months full time practical experience in industry is usually requested
Is the Apprenticeship full-time?
Yes. Apprentices are employed full time by the RHS on a fixed term contract, the Apprenticeship cannot be studied part-time or online.
 
Apprentices learn on the job with academic study at College (most programmes offer residential block release).
Who can apply?
Anyone can apply as long as you are above the age of 16. The RHS is committed to being an inclusive employer and welcomes applicants from ethnically diverse backgrounds. A good working knowledge of the English language is essential and evidence to that effect will be requested.
Will I get paid whilst training?
Yes. The RHS ensure we pay all apprentices at, or above, the National Minimum Wage, which is reviewed annually by government so you can train with zero debt at the end of your contract. You will be provided with a uniform, and as a valued member of the team enjoy all the same benefits as full-time staff.
Which RHS Garden will I work at?
Level 2 Horticultural Operative positions are available at all five of our RHS Gardens – Wisley in Surrey, Hyde Hall in Essex, Harlow Carr in Yorkshire, Rosemoor in Devon and Bridgewater near Greater Manchester.

Other Level 2, and Level 3 Apprenticeships (Arborist and Horticultural Supervisor) are available at selected gardens. These positions and locations will be confirmed once recruitment opens.
 
When submitting an application, you will be asked to confirm which garden you would like to be considered for.
How do I apply?

Once the apprenticeship positions are launched you apply through the links on the RHS Apprenticeships webpages.
 
The Apprenticeships webpages will be updated with an ‘Apply Now’ button. Clicking this will take you to our application portal to create an account.

You will then be asked to upload the following:

  • A copy of your CV as a PDF or Word file. This should include your work history, any gaps in employment, qualifications achieved and any relevant interests, volunteering or hobbies. Please ensure you include the full title of any qualifications achieved and explain any gaps in employment on your CV

  • A supporting statement describing why you are a good choice for the apprenticeship.  Applicants should use practical gardening or horticulture experience, including voluntary work in a garden setting or growing plants at home, as examples of their passion for plants
Please note that we are unable to consider applicants with more than 12 months’ experience for Level 2 apprenticeships due to government funding rules.

 

What can I do after I complete the Apprenticeship?
After completing the Apprenticeship, you could continue to train with the RHS on our other workbased learning programmes within our gardens, or further learning with a related vocational qualification. Alternatively, you could apply for an entry-level role in industry.
What qualification will I achieve if I successfully complete the apprenticeship?
All our programmes are nationally recognised, the qualification is accredited by Ofqual and candidates are awarded a LANTRA Apprenticeship Standard Qualification.
 
More details can be found on the LANTRA website:
Can I apply for an apprenticeship at more than one garden?
Yes you can apply for an apprenticeship at more than one garden. To do this you will need to submit a second application.
 
As part of the application process you will be asked to confirm which is your first-choice garden to ensure your preference is noted.

Get involved

The RHS is the UK’s gardening charity, helping people and plants to grow - nurturing a healthier, happier world, one person and one plant at a time.